MSF provides aid based solely on an independent assessment of people's needs.
MSF does not take sides or intervene according to the demands of governments or warring parties and is unmoved by political, economic or religious pressures. Because private donations make up the majority of MSF’s financial resources, and by limiting the amount we receive from governmental sources, MSF remains financially independent. This independence has an enormous impact on where and how we work.
Financial independence means that we can supply aid to any population we can reach, regardless of external pressures. This freedom to act and make decisions independently helps us to respond quickly and to be the first on the scene to provide emergency medical assistance, even in areas furthest from media attention.
Our independence is also vital for the security of MSF employees in overseas projects, making it possible for us to work safely in countries where organisations with political, religious or national affiliations may not go.
Humanitarian Aid and Development Aid
The other most common form of aid is development aid. This is different from humanitarian aid because it focuses on alleviating poverty in the long term by addressing its causes rather than easing immediate suffering.
This might mean that a development organisation will choose to invest resources in actions that will bring greater benefits several years down the track, even if it means making some sacrifices now.
Some organisations provide both emergency humanitarian and development aid, but MSF's focus is on the former.