One example of Nongovernmental Organizations that the military may interact with while executing their assigned missions is Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). This organization was established in 1971 by a group of French doctors and journalists in response to the dire need for medical assistance in war-torn areas (Médecins Sans Frontières, n.d.). Since then, MSF has operated in more than 70 countries in different regions of the world (Médecins Sans Frontières, n.d.). Thus, Doctors Without Borders is now one of the most well-known NGOs with Service orientation and International operations.
MSF places a significant emphasis on delivering medical care and aid to individuals who require it, regardless of their cultural background, religious beliefs, or political affiliations. The organization’s efforts are driven by a commitment to serving the needs of people in crisis, and that is why it can be classified as having Service Orientation (“Types of NGOs: By orientation and level of operation,” n.d.). This focus on the provision of direct services to people in need, combined with the organization’s level of control over its programs, makes MSF a good example of a Service Orientation NGO.
As for the organization’s level of operation, it has already been mentioned that MSF is active in over 70 countries, providing medical care and support to people in both urban and rural areas. Therefore, it can be classified as having an International level of operation (“Types of NGOs: By orientation and level of operation,” n.d.). Its global reach is ensured by the fact that the organization operates through a network of field offices and teams, which are staffed by local and international medical personnel, logisticians, and support staff.
MSF also works in close collaboration with other humanitarian organizations, governments, and local communities to ensure that its efforts are effective and sustainable. Some of these partnerships are designed to support the delivery of medical services, while others are focused on advocacy and research aimed at improving the response to humanitarian crises. For example, MSF has collaborated with the WHO and other health agencies to respond to public health emergencies, such as the Ebola epidemic in West Africa (Médecins Sans Frontières, n.d.). Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that MSF operates free from political, economic, or military influence and instead adheres to medical ethics and the values of impartiality, autonomy, and objectivity.
Among other operations, the organization is currently engaged in a project aimed at offering medical care and support to individuals and families who have been affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The organization has provided support and help to 23 healthcare and emergency facilities in the affected areas. This project supports the U.S. National Security Strategy by addressing one of its key priorities, which is to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need. By providing medical care and support to affected and displaced people, MSF helps to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations. At present, MSF maintains a close connection with the local authorities in northwest Syria and the authorities in Turkey, with the aim of delivering tailored aid and support wherever it is required. This proactive approach ensures that MSF’s efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of the communities they serve and helps to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of their programs.
References
Types of NGOs: By orientation and level of operation. (n.d.). The Global Development Research Center. Web.
done in as little as 1 hour
Médecins Sans Frontières. (n.d.). Who we are. Médecins Sans Frontières International. Web.
Médecins Sans Frontières. (2023). Overwhelming needs as earthquakes hit south Türkiye and northwest Syria: MSF scales up its response. Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières Canada. Web.