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Doctors bring hope to the world with free care

Mall of the North shoppers had the opportunity to meet two members of Médecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Mall of the North shoppers had the opportunity to meet two members of Médecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) who visited he mall last week.

MSF is an international organisation of doctors who provide free assistance to people in need such as where a natural disaster has struck or in a war-torn country. In South Africa they provide aid to TB and HIV/Aids sufferers.

The organisation started in 1970 when a group of French doctors joined an international aid mission to help victims of Nigeria’s civil war.

They were frustrated by government interference in humanitarian aid and felt they were being silenced when they wanted to tell the world about the violence they witnessed.

To speak about the plight of victims and seeking an independent, impartial way to provide care where they saw the greatest need, they joined a group of French journalists who were committed to the same principles and founded MSF in 1971.

The organisation grew over time and currently has partner offices in 19 countries and delegate offices in 10 countries. In 1999, MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its pioneering humanitarian work on several continents.

MSF has been working in South Africa since 2000, primarily with TB and HIV cases.

In Khayelitsha, MSF has worked with the provincial authorities to pioneer comprehensive HIV treatment including antiretroviral medicines at a primary care level.

In 2007, MSF opened an office in Johannesburg that supports MSF programmes in the region and elsewhere by providing medical expertise, recruiting medical and other professionals, working with advocacy and conducting fundraising.

For more information about MSF or to lend your support, visit www.msf.org.za or call (011) 403 4440.

 

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