MSF provides medical care in case of emergency and for the treatment of endemic diseases, such as malaria. MSF is active in more than 80 countries worldwide, particularly in poor or third-world nations, and those in a state of war. MSF has frequently protested to the United Nations against atrocities on behalf of communities that lack official representations, such as the people of Chechnya and Kosovo.
MSF consists of both volunteer and permanently employed staff and is funded by contributions from the general public, nonprofit organizations, corporations and governments.
MSF has received much recognition and a number of awards for its work, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.