Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a private, nonprofit medical and humanitarian aid organization. It delivers emergency medical aid, independently, neutrally and impartially, to people facing crises caused by conflict, natural disasters and poverty. It was founded in France in 1971 and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 in recognition of its work. The Japan office was established in 1992.
Medicine is at the core of its work, and it provides various kinds of care, including surgery, maternal and child health care and responses to infectious diseases. Where medical care alone cannot save lives, it also provides water, sanitation, food and temporary shelter. "Bearing witness," telling society about the humanitarian crises seen firsthand in the field, is also described as part of its mission. In 2025, about 66,000 staff worked in 72 countries and regions and at 43 offices.
More than 90 percent of its funding comes from private donations, mainly from individuals, which it says keeps its funding independent. In 2025, MSF Japan arranged for 117 people (154 placements in total) to be sent to 33 countries and regions. In Japan, ways to support include monthly donations, one-time donations and legacy gifts, and the site also introduces ways to take part as office staff or volunteers.
Key points
- Delivers emergency medical aid to conflict, disaster and poverty settings, independently, neutrally and impartially
- More than 90 percent of funding comes from private donations; it worked in 72 countries and regions in 2025
- Beyond donating, you can take part as overseas field staff or as a volunteer
Why this organization deserves attention
It supports field sites around the world with teams that include not only doctors and nurses but also non-medical staff handling human resources, finance, facility management and procurement. The way people in many different roles work together is a distinctive feature.
The Japanese website offers many entry points for learning about the world today, such as news from the field, stories from overseas staff, and "MSF Club" for children and young people. Information on events and briefings makes it easier to find a way to get involved.
Editor's comment
Events in faraway countries feel a little closer when we hear them through the words of the people working on the ground. MSF's work shows how the efforts of many people come together toward the aim of protecting lives.
Why not start by reading the field news or the stories from overseas staff? The official website also announces events and information sessions.