MSF sees itself as working to relieve the world of the worst effects of major health-affecting events such as war, epidemics, malnutrition, natural disasters, and refugee access. It also speaks out in public forums against these problems.
MSF is making progress in one area impacted by conflict: the city of Mosul in Iraq. Although recent battles continue to take their toll, the agency has succeeded in restoring medical care to sections of the city.
The western section of Mosul has been the most significantly impacted. Combat continues there, but MSF uses advanced medical posts to provide basic care. Officials can move the two posts to new areas as events require. MSF also focuses on providing emergency maternal and pediatric care.
Conditions in eastern Mosul are better. A renovated nursing home functions as a hospital, offering emergency care and a safe place for births. Improved maternal care is available throughout the east of the city. A surgical unit with 32 beds will be ready soon.
As the Iraqi army advances westward, the number of successful treatments continues to rise. MSF is now turning its attention to long-term care for survivors, as well as providing treatment for chronic diseases and mental illness.