( MSF ; pronounced ) , sometimes rendered in English as Doctors Without Borders , is an international humanitarian medical non-governmental organisation ( NGO ) of French origin best known for its projects in conflict zones and in countries affected by endemic diseases . In 2015 , over 30,000 personnel — mostly local doctors , nurses and other medical professionals , logistical experts , water and sanitation engineers and administrators — provided medical aid in over 70 countries . Most staff are volunteers . Private donors provide about 90 % of the organisation 's funding , while corporate donations provide the rest , giving MSF an annual budget of approximately US$ 1.63 billion . was founded in 1971 , in the aftermath of the Biafra secession , by a small group of French doctors and journalists who sought to expand accessibility to medical care across national boundaries and irrespective of race , religion , creed or political affiliation . To that end , the organisation emphasises " independence and impartiality " , and explicitly precludes political , economic , or religious factors in its decision making . For these reasons , it limits the amount of funding received from governments or intergovernmental organisation . These principles have allowed MSF to speak freely with respect to acts of war , corruption , or other hindrances to medical care or human well-being . Only once in its history , during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda , has the organisation called for military intervention
1994 genocide in Rwanda
Rwandan genocide
Médecins Sans Frontières