MSF Update – November 2013

Written by Naomi Kasteel (Class of 2017, VFMP)

Founded in 1971, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as “Doctors Without Borders,” is an international organization that provides medical relief in response to public health emergencies. Working in over 80 countries, MSF field workers facilitate the provision of high quality medical care. Importantly, MSF is funded independently of any political, economic, or religious influence. This neutrality gives MSF staff the ability to access areas of conflict and provide medical aid where it is most needed.

Within UBC Medicine, our student MSF representatives are active in facilitating recruitment nights throughout the year and hosting events for medical students. The most recent recruitment evening, held in September, was well-attended by medical professionals, medical students, and community members interested in serving with MSF. In terms of future events, a wine and cheese evening featuring a speaker from MSF will be held in the new year. In addition, medical students will be able to attend a screening of the MSF documentary “Access to the Danger Zone.” This event will be held in January 2014, and will be followed by an interactive discussion of the issues facing medical professionals working in volatile environments. Students can attend these events, as well as future recruitment nights, to learn more about MSF.

Currently, MSF Canada is active in urging our government to reconsider alleged clauses in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPA) that would restrict access to essential medicines. One of MSF’s main concerns is that the TPA may extend the length of patent protection for drug companies, restricting access to cheaper, generic medicines that are essential for the provision of medical care in developing countries. Students interested in learning more about this alarming issue can visit http://www.msf.ca/tpp where they can choose to sign an online petition urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to ensure that the final draft of the TPP does not impede progress in global health.