BRINGING MEDICAL HUMANITARIAN ACTION TO YOU

AUGUST 2019 SPECIAL EDITION MSF 25TH ANNIVERSARY

IN FOCUS FIELD WORKER STORIES FROM 1994 TO 2019 3 EDITORIAL: ALWAYS EVOLVING 4 NEWS IN BRIEF 5 25 YEARS: THE FOUNDATIONS 6 25 YEARS: THE MEDICAL UNIT CHAMPIONING AUGUST 2019 8 25 YEARS: UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACHES WOMEN'S AND 10 25 YEARS: FIELD WORKER STORIES MSF.ORG.AU CHILDREN'S 19 A LEGACY WITHOUT BORDERS HEALTH CONTENTS

ABOUT MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES Médecins Sans Frontières is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that was founded in France in 1971. The organisation delivers emergency medical aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, exclusion from healthcare and natural disasters. Assistance is provided based on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

When Médecins Sans Frontières witnesses serious acts of violence, neglected crises, or obstructions to its activities, the organisation may speak out about this.

Today, Médecins Sans Frontières is a worldwide movement of 24 associations, including one in Australia. In 2018, 217 field positions were filled by Australians and New Zealanders.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT This special issue of The Pulse marks 25 years of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia. Over the past quarter- century, our organisation has made an invaluable contribution to the global medical-humanitarian movement – and it is your incredible generosity that has enabled us to do so. The ongoing loyalty and trust of individuals like you allow us to maintain our independence and to stay impartial, to reach the people who need our care – and to speak out on behalf of our patients. Thank you for supporting lifesaving First Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia, Dr Peter Hakewill, highlights the plight of the people of Srebrenica, in a 1996 editorial. © MSF humanitarian medical aid, where it is needed most. Front cover: Australian doctor Saschveen Singh dresses in personal protective equipment before entering the high-risk zone of the Médecins Sans Frontières-supported Ebola treatment centre in Butembo, 2018. © John Wessels/MSF

The Pulse is the quarterly magazine of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia.

AUGUST 2019 Médecins Sans Frontières Australia [email protected] facebook.com/msf.english PO Box 847, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia msf.org.au @MSFAustralia 1300 136 061 or (61) (2) 8570 2600 ABN: 74 068 758 654 © 2018 Médecins Sans Frontières Australia THE PULSE

2 Design, artwork and production: Marlin Communications • marlincommunications.com UNCONVENTIONAL FIELD APPROACHES WORKERS

6 8 DR STEWART10 CONDON

EDITORIAL Always evolving, always

moving forward Oneill Photographics As we mark 25 years of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia, we celebrate the people who have shaped our organisation – and continue to champion our mission.

édecins Sans Frontières is an Patients deserve to have experienced expelled; wars where civilians are regularly incredible associative venture. humanitarians delivering their care. the largest proportion of dead and injured. MOur world-renowned medical Knowing that many of our field workers don’t After World War II, the Geneva Conventions humanitarian work has contributed to stay with us after their first field placement, were written to bring a sense of humanity saving lives and alleviating suffering in we’ve become better at understanding to places where little existed. International many global crises over the last 50 years. professional needs and providing career paths humanitarian law was set down on paper, And this year we mark a quarter century of in an industry that struggles with longer- but these words are challenged time and Médecins Sans Frontières Australia. term human resource planning. again. Hospitals are bombed despite Growing up in the 1990s, the time that their coordinates being known, civilian Médecins Sans Frontières Australia was ambulances are targeted, and non- founded, I was inspired by aid workers “There are three ‘peoples’ combatants are drawn into conflicts they in places like Ethiopia, Rwanda and in our work – our patients, don’t wish to be part of. This is the world in Bosnia. The news events of my adolescence 2019, and Médecins Sans Frontières sees it reminded me that, as an Australian, I also our workforce and our today in places like Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, had a responsibility to be a citizen of the supporters.” Libya and more. world. More than that, they affected so many The other challenge Médecins Sans people and caused so much pain. Frontières faces today is the way nation I myself joined Médecins Sans Frontières Furthermore, we are now better able to states are shutting their borders and closing in the early 2000s. The crises we met then balance the medical needs we see in the their minds. People seeking asylum are included the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, field with our duty of care as a responsible committing no crime: whether it be in violence causing mass suffering in Darfur, employer. Our charter talks of our field Central America, the Mediterranean or the Sudan, the earthquake in Kashmir, the workers understanding “the risks and Pacific, they simply want safety. The men, ongoing crisis in Haiti, further complicated dangers of the missions they carry out”. It women and children detained have broken by the earthquake of 2010: the list goes on. will soon say more on the responsibility to no laws. Their stories, whether from their If it involves armed conflict, epidemics, ensure field workers remain safe despite the home countries, journeys or their ongoing natural disasters or people who are excluded dangers of the active warzone, the risk of detention, are often horrific. from healthcare, chances are it’s a Médecins infectious epidemics, or the uncertainties of natural disaster. Marking 25 years is difficult for Médecins Sans Sans Frontières operational context. Frontières Australia. We have lost people along In the many years that I have been involved Finally, it’s our supporters who enable our the way, both in the field and our Association. with Médecins Sans Frontières Australia, mission. It is with your trust and generosity But our mission remains clear: independent as a field worker, a Board member and that we can maintain our independence and medical humanitarian action, wherever people President, I’ve seen our organisation impartiality, to reach the people who need us. need it, however we can. Unlike other organisations, we don’t simply mature and evolve. About two years ago, Thank you for your incredible support over for example, our International Board and seek dollars, but look for supporters of our medical humanitarian social mission – to the last decades. It’s only through increasing Executive platforms validated a statement public generosity that we’ve been able to confirming what we already knew: there are amplify our patients’ stories, giving them a global reach. Médecins Sans Frontières’ sustain – and massively increase – Australia three ‘peoples’ in our work – our patients, and New Zealand’s contribution to the our workforce and our supporters. ability to speak out, bear witness to atrocities and tell truths to power is part of our DNA, Médecins Sans Frontières movement. Our Patients have rights, wherever Médecins Sans and should never be re-engineered. shared project is still needed, on a regional Frontières works. A patient charter currently and global level. As we embark upon the being drafted will reaffirm that the patient Another 25 years from now, wars will still road of the next 25 years, I hope that you is at the centre of our work. No longer is it exist, and Médecins Sans Frontières will will continue the journey with us. continue to treat both direct or indirect acceptable, if it ever was, that patients in low- Dr Stewart Condon and middle-income countries should feel victims of these conflicts. Myanmar,

President .ORG.AU fortunate to have low quality medical care. Bangladesh and Afghanistan come to mind;

places where an ethnic minority has been Médecins Sans Frontières Australia MSF 3 OUR TEAMS PROVIDED NEWS IN BRIEF Médecins Sans Frontières has 46,900 treated 14,785 patients for FOR THE LATEST MSF NEWS OUTPATIENT measles in the DRC since the @MSFAustralia CONSULTATIONS IN LIBYA IN 2018 beginning of 2019 facebook.com/msf.english

2 DRC

1 3 2

1 LIBYA © Pablo Garrigos/MSF Pablo ©

A Médecins Sans Frontières nurse provides care for a child suffering from measles, at a health post in the displaced persons camp in Bunia, DRC, where people have sought safety from violence. Congolese face Ebola, © Sara Creta/MSF

Women and children in a detention centre in Libya, September 2018. measles and displacement BACKGROUND: Airstrike hits The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen. At the time of going to print, there were 2,438 confirmed cases detention centre and 1,705 confirmed deaths since the outbreak began. Meanwhile, the people of Ituri province are facing an upsurge in violence, the peak BACKGROUND: malaria season, and a measles outbreak which has killed 1,887 people On 3 July, Tripoli’s Tajoura detention centre was hit by an airstrike. Of more as of mid-June. than 600 migrant and refugee detainees, at least 50 were killed and 130 injured. The fighting around Tripoli has killed hundreds of people in the ACTION: city and displaced tens of thousands. Médecins Sans Frontières is working in both North Kivu and Ituri provinces. While forced to withdraw from our Ebola treatment centres in Katwa and ACTION: Butembo due to attacks in February, teams continue to support triage Following the attack, our teams transferred four critically injured people and infection prevention and control activities and are scaling up health to Al Najat Hospital, and attempted to visit the detention centre to provide promotion and community engagement. Our teams are also supporting support to survivors. Médecins Sans Frontières called again for immediate the local health system to provide healthcare for other conditions such evacuation from Libya of migrants and refugees trapped in detention. In as measles and malaria. In Ituri province, Médecins Sans Frontières is Tripoli, Médecins Sans Frontières continues to provide primary healthcare supporting the Ministry of Health to deliver medical care to people consultations, mental health support, emergency food, water and medical displaced by violence in Drodro, Nizi and Bunia, and have also provided referral services for people in detention. water and sanitation support. 3 MEXICO Violence along migration route BACKGROUND: ACTION: Between January and May, more than 45 per cent Médecins Sans Frontières is providing medical, of patients treated by Médecins Sans Frontières mental health and social services support to people in Nuevo Laredo - a city along the US border in in migrant shelters in Nuevo Laredo, and in Reynosa Mexico’s Tamaulipas State - had suffered an episode and Matamoros cities. From January until May this of violence in the city as they waited to cross into the year, teams treated 378 patients in Nuevo Laredo, US. Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières teams have and collected testimonies from people who reported also witnessed raids and mass arrests of migrants, kidnapping, forced labour, sexual exploitation and

AUGUST 2019 refugees and asylum seekers on Mexico’s southern death threats. Médecins Sans Frontières has called on Médecins Sans Frontières staff speak border with Guatemala. Around 500,000 people cross the Mexican and US authorities to put humanitarian with people in a migrant shelter in into Mexico each year, the majority fleeing violence assistance at the centre of its migration policies. and poverty in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. THE PULSE Nuevo Lardero, Mexico. 4 Increase in the number of Australian JOIN OUR TEAM and New Zealand field workers filled. Find out more about becoming a Médecins INFORMATION PAST WEBINARS ARE ALSO Sans Frontières field worker at one of EVENINGS field our upcoming recruitment information AVAILABLE ONLINE TO Tues 10 Sept Webinar 1994 = 20 roles filled evenings. Additional information evenings WATCH ON DEMAND. are scheduled in Australian and New Tues 17 Sept Visit msf.org.au for details on field Zealand cities throughout the year. Tues 29 Oct Sydney all our recruitment events. 2018 = 221 roles filled

FOUNDATIONS From one generation to the next The founding of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia in 1994 coincided with one of the 20th century’s most tragic events: the Rwandan genocide.

he crisis proved defining for Médecins Sans Frontières doctors Mitchell T Smith and Chatu Yapa, who reflect on serving on the Médecins Sans Frontières Australia Board at very different times in the organisation’s history. For former medical coordinator Dr Mitchell Smith, 1994 marked his return to Médecins Sans Frontières to take up a position on the first Australian Board. “The perspective from the field is at the heart of all we do at Médecins Sans Frontières and informs not just our medical activities, but our whole management structure, how we communicate and how we fundraise. Having worked with Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong from 1989 to 1990, I was asked to provide this perspective for the new Board @Roger Job @Roger in 1994. Setting up a Médecins Sans Frontières post Around 100,000 people passed through Rwabusoro transit camp in Rwanda over 10 days in 1994. in the southern hemisphere, far from Europe, For me, as a Médecins Sans Frontières and working to build our reputation with the For medical epidemiologist and current doctor, what I value most is the constant Australian public was an unknown; but we Board member Dr Chatu Yapa – nine questioning. How can we improve the could feel the huge potential. years old in 1994 – Rwanda was the event quality of care we deliver? How do we get Reflecting on that time 25 years later, I feel an that inspired her to pursue a career in to the people no one can reach? This critical enormous sense of pride in the contribution international health. thinking leads to all sorts of creativity, that Médecins Sans Frontières Australia driven by the field itself: new diagnostic “I knew from a staff, volunteers, field workers and the Board tools designed for remote settings; drugs young age that make. We have helped build structures that to treat neglected diseases; guidelines and I wanted to be a are sounder and better organised. With our protocols adapted to our patients; campaigns doctor working input, Médecins Sans Frontières’ clinical to bring about political action. It also stops in Africa. I protocols are more numerous, and the us from becoming complacent. didn’t know what clinical and epidemiological support we have that could look The world in which we deliver humanitarian to call on is greater. All of this contributes like at the time, aid may have changed dramatically since I to better medical care and more effective but I can still was a nine-year-old and since Médecins Sans programs in the field. vividly remember Frontières Australia first opened its doors. Although I am no longer working in the field images of the But I am confident that we will continue or on the Board, my commitment to the health Rwandan to challenge ourselves to meet the needs of of people affected by humanitarian crises and genocide unfold on our TV screen in 1994. this changing humanitarian landscape. As to Médecins Sans Frontières’ work to alleviate I still pinch myself today to know that I a humanitarian, I live in hope that we never it has never wavered. I look forward to seeing continue to live my dream working for an cease to care for our fellow human beings

what the next generation of Médecins Sans organisation which strives to care for some of and continue to remember the world’s .ORG.AU

Frontières Australia will bring.” the most vulnerable people in the world. most forgotten.” MSF 5 MEDICAL UNIT In 2018, the Medical Unit conducted 27 field visits to FOR THE LATEST FROM MSF provide hands-on support and @MSFAustralia These countries were: Bangladesh, the Central African Republic, Chad, Iraq, Ivory facebook.com/msf.english supervision in 14 countries. Coast, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Yemen Championing women's and children's health

The Sydney-based Medical Unit has supported Médecins Sans Frontières programs Myrto’s first initiative was to develop around the world for almost 15 years. Its focus is on women’s and children’s health, protocols, work on the correct dosing and care for survivors of sexual violence. of antiretrovirals and advocate for child- friendly drug formulations for children efore 2005, most of Médecins Sans A former field worker and operations with HIV. Frontières Australia’s activity focused advisor covering seven countries, Myrto Later, the Unit expanded to women’s health Bon fundraising, communications, was uniquely equipped for the challenge. and general paediatrics with a focus on some advocacy and recruiting Australian She created a service with a dual purpose: severely sick children, malnutrition, and, field workers to work in humanitarian a direct link to the field for Médecins what was particularly new in Médecins projects around the world. Towards the end Sans Frontières Australia; and provision Sans Frontières, the care of newborns. Now of 2004, however, the 10-year-old Australia of paediatric expertise to the movement care for survivors of sexual violence is also office expressed the desire for a more direct as part of the Médecins Sans Frontières included under the Unit’s remit. link with field operations. France Medical Department. The Unit advocates for more and There was a gap that needed filling, since At that time, there was a large gap in improved care of survivors of sexual the Medical Department in Paris didn’t medical support related to HIV and violence and co-develops and implements then have enough expertise in women’s, tuberculosis care for children. “As the numerous training packages to that end. and particularly children’s, health. field of paediatrics is vast, I started with This includes, for example, piloting the “Children were more or less treated like what was perceived as most urgent at the first organisation-wide face-to-face mini adults,” says Dr Myrto Schaefer, time. We had just started treating patients training for sexual violence care which a paediatrician and the Medical Unit’s with antiretroviral drugs, but the drugs is now offered several times a year and founding member. “There was little and treatment approaches were not at all is listed in Médecins Sans Frontières’ recognition that children needed adapted to children. There was also very training catalogue. specialised care. Mostly their specific little expertise in low resource contexts,” needs were invisible, even though says Myrto. children comprise at least 50 per cent Achievements of our patients.” • The Unit firmly established the agenda of quality care for the specific Dr Myrto Schaefer examines populations of newborns, children and a young patient in Kompong women in Médecins Sans Frontières Thom province, Cambodia, and speaks up for their needs; on a field placement in 2000. • There are now specific guidelines for the care of children and newborns which are used across operations run by Médecins Sans Frontières Switzerland; • The Medical Unit supported the creation of a Paediatric Working Group: it contributed to Paediatrics now being recognised as a specialty of its own across the whole organisation; • Neonatal care is also now regarded as an integral part of Médecins Sans Frontières’ maternity care; • Women and girls in Médecins Sans

AUGUST 2019 Frontières projects have improved access to safe abortion care including contraceptives. © Marie Kernec/MSF Marie © THE PULSE

6 WHAT DO THE NEXT 1. CARE FOR CHRONIC CONDITIONS 25 YEARS 2. PALLIATIVE AND HOLD FOR THE MEDICAL UNIT? END-OF-LIFE CARE 3. CARE FOR SURVIVORS PRIORITIES WILL INCLUDE: OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

The Medical Unit supports emergency obstetric and neonatal care services and complicated deliveries at the Dasht-e-Barchi hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. © Kate Stegeman

Into the future

Looking forward, the Unit plans to investigate how to better equip field projects for patients with specific needs. For example:

• Providing a continuum of care for • Improving palliative and end-of-life care; children with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, including advocacy for • Improving care to survivors of sexual affordable drugs; violence; • Care for children with other chronic • Increasing availability of services for conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes; women who desire a termination of pregnancy; •Offering comprehensive care for patients ©MSF with pre-stages of and advanced cervical • Continuing efforts to improve and measure quality and patient-centred care; Dr Myrto Schaefer today. or breast cancer in collaboration with the oncologic team; • Piloting diagnostic and prescription guidance using digital health tools. “The Unit advocates “We will do this by tapping into existing expertise in the medical world, in Australia for more and improved and beyond, by creating networks and thus channelling up-to-date knowledge into the practice and care offered to the populations we work with. Training will remain a big part care of survivors of sexual of our portfolio in an effort to upskill our colleagues and maintain the standard of quality violence and co-develops that we set ourselves,” says Myrto. From a team of one in 2005, the Medical Unit is now eight members strong, including and implements numerous paediatricians, a paediatric nurse, midwives and an obstetrician. This year, as Myrto farewells the Medical Unit, the team can reflect on a legacy where the needs of children, training packages to women and survivors of sexual violence have been permanently placed on the agenda of Médecins Sans Frontières and beyond. that end.” .ORG.AU MSF

7 INNOVATION Médecins Sans Frontières ’s Innovation Unit is working to overcome EXPENSE OF POWER CULTURAL FOR THE LATEST FROM MSF challenges in hypothermia EQUIPMENT SUPPLY BARRIERS @MSFAustralia management for facebook.com/msf.english newborns, including: Unconventional approaches © Julie Remy Julie ©

A Médecins Sans Frontières team treats a premature baby for severe hypothermia and low oxygen levels, in Maradi, Nigeria, 2012.

For Médecins Sans Frontières, operating in unconventional pressure pharmaceutical companies GSK settings requires creative approaches. and Pfizer to lower their prices. In 2017 the ‘Humanitarian Mechanism’ was set up, ffering high-quality, evidence-based it profitable to develop drugs for people who securing price reductions and access not treatment in challenging, low-resource could not pay high prices. The co-founder just for Médecins Sans Frontières, but for settings means innovation has to be and first director of the Access Campaign, Dr other actors too. Greg adds: “It showed me O first-hand the difference the Campaign could in our life blood. From developing new Bernard Pécoul, put it very simply: “We had technologies and adapting existing ones, to to do something!” make to our field operations.” launching campaigns to bring about change, Since then, in close partnership with teams here are some examples of how Médecins in the field, the Access Campaign has been ACCESS CAMPAIGN Sans Frontières has embraced innovation successful in bringing down the prices of over the past 25 years – and what the next 25 key medicines for some of the world’s most Key achievements years may hold. disadvantaged people, such as drugs for HIV • Reducing the price of antiretrovirals Spotlight on the Access Campaign and hepatitis C (see box), and securing new (ARVs) for HIV by 99 per cent. treatments for neglected diseases. In 1999, when the Australian office was just • Through the ‘ACT Now’ campaign, five years old, the international Médecins New Zealand doctor Greg Elder became encouraging countries to switch Sans Frontières movement launched the medical coordinator for the Campaign in 2016. to artemisinin-based combination Access Campaign against the backdrop of He recalls what inspired him to take the role. therapy (ACT) – a far more effective the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While new HIV “Pneumonia is the biggest killer of children treatment for malaria. medications offered a lifeline to people who under five, but the pneumococcal conjugate • Enabling affordable access to the could afford them, the exorbitant prices vaccine (PCV) can protect against it. In South pneumonia vaccine. charged by pharmaceutical corporations kept Sudan, our hospital was overwhelmed by them out of reach for most. children dying of this preventable disease, but • Contributing to price reductions our field teams were struggling to access the of key hepatitis C medicines from At the same time, Médecins Sans Frontières vaccines at an affordable price. Our operations US$1,000 per pill (around AU$1,400) medical staff lacked adequate treatments AUGUST 2019 were blocked. We were outraged.” to roughly US$1 per pill in selected for diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria countries. But tens of millions of and African sleeping sickness, because The Access Campaign and medical teams people are still waiting for the cure. pharmaceutical corporations did not consider worked together on a public campaign to THE PULSE

8 The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative aims to deliver 16 to 18 1999-2019 new treatments for patients living Médecins Sans Frontières’ Access with neglected diseases by 2023 Campaign celebrates 20 years

In 2019, many new drugs, vaccines and prevent hypothermia. But some require diagnostics remain priced out of reach, extra care, and technologies such as INNOVATION IN ACTION while monopolies are more entrenched incubators are not always well adapted to Many other new ideas, methods and and pharmaceutical corporate powers low-resource settings. devices have enabled our teams to deliver more globalised. But the Access Campaign “Finding alternatives to incubators in the medical care where it is most needed: continues to demand transformative changes field could have a real impact on neonatal centred on people’s health rather than profit – mortality in our projects,” says Dr Myrto as a matter of justice, not charity. Schaefer from Médecins Sans Frontières Australia’s Medical Unit. “It may seem simple, but preventing hypothermia is Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative: In one of the most critical interventions we “In South Sudan, our 2003 Médecins Sans Frontières helped could have.” hospital was overwhelmed found the DNDi, a patient-needs driven, Enter Médecins Sans Frontières Japan’s not-for-profit research and development by children dying of Innovation Unit. Explaining the Unit’s work, organisation that develops safe, effective Head Stefano Di Carlo says, “Using design and affordable treatments for neglected [pneumonia], but our field thinking and creative problem solving, and diseases. DNDi developed the first new by constantly testing our ideas, we hope to treatment for sleeping sickness in 25 years teams were struggling to contribute to improving the way we address – nifurtimox-eflornithine combination access the vaccines at an challenges in Médecins Sans Frontières – therapy (NECT) – replacing an old to ultimately, better respond to the needs therapy that killed one in 20 patients. affordable price.” of the patient.” The Innovation Unit is now teaming with Médecins Sans Frontières Australia to Looking forward: a partnership in solutions develop a device for preventing and treating hypothermia in newborns. The aim is to Inflatable hospitals: When the 2005 Surviving their first 24 hours can be the come up with a system that can be cost- biggest challenge a newborn will ever face, earthquake hit Pakistan, Médecins effectively produced and affordably priced for Sans Frontières used an inflatable with one- to two-thirds of deaths occurring use in the field. The work is still in its early during this period. Maintenance of body hospital – comprising nine tents, four phases, but prototypes for field testing are operating theatres, an emergency room, temperature is vital, and the simple act of currently underway. drying and warming the infant can help an intensive care unit and 120 beds – to provide immediate care. Since then, such hospitals have become a common sight A team constructs in places where medical infrastructure an inflatable hospital has been damaged by conflict or natural in Arughat, Nepal, disasters. to treat patients after the 2015 earthquake.

Telemedicine: First piloted in 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières’ platform allows medical staff in the field to consult with experts and specialists around the world – even from remote locations. In 2019, teams used telemedicine to provide mental healthcare to patients on Nauru.

Mobile Unit Surgical Trailer: First used to treat patients in Mosul, Iraq in February 2017, the unit enables teams to quickly reach people in need of lifesaving trauma surgery, close to the frontline of conflict, with hygienic, temperature-controlled conditions. .ORG.AU © Benoit Finck/MSF Benoit © MSF

9 FIELD WORKERS 25 years of Australian and New Zealand humanitarianism The following pages commemorate the amazing contribution made by Australian and New Zealand field workers over the 25 years since Médecins Sans Frontières Australia was established. They have been, and continue to be, leaders in Médecins Sans Frontières’ response to humanitarian crises around the world – and their stories honour the voices of those we serve: our patients.

In 1994, Médecins Sans Frontières remained Dr Nicole Gilroy, the first field in Kigali, Rwanda, throughout the genocide worker recruited by Médecins of more than 800,000 people, and made Sans Frontières Australia, on the unprecedented decision to call for assignment in a refugee camp international military intervention. Médecins in Burundi, 1994. Sans Frontières teams – including our first Australian-recruited field worker, Dr Nicole Gilroy – also worked in Burundi, extending assistance to Burundians repatriated from Rwanda. “Rwanda was a nightmare no one who lived through will ever fully wake up from.” – Dr Peter Hakewill, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia’s first Executive Director.

IN MEMORIAM On the 25th anniversary of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia, we commemorate the life of Dr Jane Connor, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Honduras in 1998 while responding to Hurricane Mitch with Médecins Sans Frontières. Our heart goes out to Jane’s family. © MSF

Note: This list of field workers comprises only those recruited by Médecins Sans Frontières Australia. We also IN THE FIELD: 1994 - 2019 wish to recognise other Australians and New Zealanders who have contributed to Médecins Sans Frontières programs worldwide but are not listed here because they joined the organisation directly overseas.

Ahmose Abrahim Lisa Anderson Mary Louise Bagley Harriet Barker Simon Black Katja Boyd-Osmond Jay Achar Loraine Anderson Antonia Bagshawe Sam Bartlett Sanja Blackburn Stephanie Bracknell Brett Adamson Sarah Andrews Emma Bailey Toby Barton Kara Blackburn Wayne Branden Chinelo Adogu Nilza Angmo Sahar Bajis Daniel Baschiera Debra Blackmore Alexandra Brassert Kwaku Agyemang-Baah Matthew Apostola Kevin Baker Florence Bascombe Nikki Blackwell Rodolphe Brauner Yvette Aiello Damien Archbold Alana Baker Damien Bates Dennis Blackwell Clare Brennan Mustafa Al Ani Mattias Armstrong Corinne Baker Michael Bates Kirsten Blair Robin Briant Abdul Aleem Cassandra Arnold Rob Baker Euan Beamont Bronwen Blake Felicity Brims Aiesha Ali Eugene Athan Graham Baker Agnes Beaton Lisa Blaker Roslyn Brooks Nicole Allard Roger Athersuch Michael Bala Deanna Beaumont Anita Blandford Sam Brophy-Williams Barbara Allen Margaret Atkin Jananie Balendran Kevin Bell Rebecca Bloor Susie Broughton Lisa Altmann Lisa Atkins Matthew J Ball Margaret Bell Helen Boland Gareth Brown Haydar Alwash Kerry Atkins Danielle Ballantyne Rebecca Bennett Kirsten Bond Damien Brown Ursula Alwash Mark Atkinson Tobias Ballerstedt Kaye Bentley Eric Boon Scott Brown Christina Ambrose Rebecca Atkinson Steven Bannister Melinda Berry Brendon Bott Vivien Brown Mohana Amirtharajah Robert Atkinson Liz Bannister Emily Berry Gilbert Bouic Katy Brown Jordan Amor-Robertson Andrea Atkinson Kelly Banz Catherine Berry Franck Boulay Hannah Brown AUGUST 2019 Vanessa Andean Rachael Auty Robin Barbar Elizabeth Bews Philippa Boulle Alexandra Brown Jason Andean Daniel A'Vard Margie Barclay Terri Bidwell Dominic Bowen Patrick Brown Kathryn Andersen Niyi Awofeso Gina Bark Nikki Bielinski Stephanie Boyd Kelwyn Browne THE PULSE

10 IN THE FIELD Medical care based on humanity Paul McPhun, Executive Director of Paul McPhun meets with children Médecins Sans Frontières Australia, reflects in the Bentiu Protection of Civilians on the contribution of the people who have site, South Sudan, in April 2016. made our organisation what it is today.

hen I set off on my first field assignment to Tajikistan with WMédecins Sans Frontières in 1997, it was almost impossible to imagine that this small fledgling office on the other side of the world would grow into the heavyweight player we see today. Committed and innovative, passionate and resourceful, the founding field workers and

staff of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia © MSF embodied the very values of Médecins Sans Frontières as a humanitarian movement. they deliver care has been inspirational, Médecins Sans Frontières is about people. On the ground, our field workers quickly invigorating and humbling. Every life has value, everyone has a right developed a reputation for being brave and to healthcare, and just because you’re bold whilst eminently competent. Once disadvantaged, it doesn’t mean you deserve home, their work carried on as they stood in The culture of innovation that to be forgotten. This is the real story of who solidarity with their patients, giving them a has developed – driven by we are – and it is an ethos I believe will be voice by sharing their stories and expressing refusing to accept the status carried by the next generation of Médecins their outrage. This still holds true today. Sans Frontières Australia. And it is thanks to our field workers, staff quo – has resulted in outcomes “Despite grand debates on world order, the and volunteers, supported by the tireless we never could have predicted, act of humanitarianism comes down to one generosity of our donors, that we are in thing: individual human beings reaching this position. and saved lives we never out to those others who find themselves in These last 25 years have seen thought we could reach. the most difficult circumstances. And they transformations not just in our office, but in reach out one bandage at a time, one suture the contexts where we work and the scope But whilst so much may change, there is one at a time.” James Orbinski, Médecins Sans of our medical response. The ever-growing thing about Médecins Sans Frontières, and Frontières, Oslo, December 10, 1999 Nobel professionalism of our teams on the ground, the people who make up our organisation, Peace Prize acceptance speech. and the increasing complexity in which that will never change: our humanity.

Eunice Bruce Lee-Anne Cameron Wei Cheng Jody Clouten Jessica Cooper Johanna Cromley Kate Bruck Emma Campbell Lindel Cherry Prue Coakley John Cooper Angela Cropley Andreas Bruechle Elizabeth Campbell Annie Chesson Nick Coatsworth Judy Coram Jenny Cross Bob Bucat Nicole Campbell Adam Childs Heidi Cockram Louisa Cormack Jaclyn Cruz Ingrid Bucens Margaret Campbell-Low Colin Chilvers Nadim Cody Shaun Cornelius Mike Cudiamat Susan Bucknell Eva Capa Corrales Cindy Chiu Terry Coffey Peter Correa Christine Cummins Monika Buhrer Skinner Rebecca Caporn Connie Chong Cushla Coffey Liam Correy Daron Cunningham Van Tung Bui Magnolia Cardona Vipul Chowdhary Ben Coghlan Norma Corstorphan Julie Currie Brigid Buick Teresa Carney Brendan Christie Janet Coleman Sue Cory Kaye Cussen Benjamin Burford Annette Carr Jessica Chua Mireia Coll Cuenca Rachael Cossens Frederick Cutts Andrew Burke Sally Carter Karen Chung Ben Collard Jane Coster Kris Cvach Monica Burns Maria Cartwright Kusum Churcher-Wells Bianca Collier Nicholas Coulson Ruth Dabell Rose Burns Ngaire Caruso John Cindric Laura Collins Nicholas Coulter Sue Daebritz Lynn Bush Jennifer Catelan Christopher Clapp Philippa Collins Danielle Courtin Pietro Dal Dosso Jackie Butler Keith Cavalli Jacqui Clark Laicey Colum Helen Cox Chris Daley Lucy Butler Vivienne Cebola Emma Clark Stewart Condon Megan Cox David Danby Warren Buttery Melinda Cerneaz Fiona Clarke Jane Connell Philippa Cox Tanya Davies Tiffany Button Peter Chan Theresa Clasquin Jane Connor Patricia Coyle Stephanie Davies Andrew Caballero- Jocelyn Chan Peter Clausen Colette Connors Susan Crabtree Natasha Davies Reynolds Paul Chan Matthew Cleary Heather Cook Jennifer Craig Jane Davies Tracey Cabrie Kate Chapman Helen Cleary Tanya Coombes Vanessa Cramond Alison Davis Sita Cacioppe Fiona Charlson Sarah Clemons Anita Coombs Rachel Creek Rebecca Davis Lucinda Caffin Kerryn Chatham Michel Clerc Lauren Cooney Keenan Crisp Trudi Davis Damien Cahill Madhumati Chatterji Rosemary Clifton Steve Cooper Lindsay Croghan Rachal Davis .ORG.AU

Erin Calabrese MSF 11 FIELD WORKERS © Grant Somers

An image taken by Australian logistician Grant Somers, showing a Médecins Sans Frontières team in Afghanistan, 2001.

“We were there to build a residential tuberculosis clinic, a straightforward enough job on paper but a logistical nightmare in reality. Organising a building project in an environment with no infrastructure (no water, no electricity, limited supplies and a low skill base) is a challenge at the – Logistician Grant Somers, from best of times, but to discover the site was on a former battlefield complicated things beyond our Sydney, remembers the challenges of wildest expectations. Clearing a site of landmines and UXO (unexploded ordnance), unearthing his first field assignment in Ghazni, an anti-tank mine and a rocket, were simply things that hadn’t been part of our initial game plan.” Afghanistan, 2001.

Rowan Durward Kate Ferguson Marianne Gale Aisleen Glasby IN THE FIELD: 1994 - 2019 Jessica Dwyer Morne Ferreira Nicole Ganderton Paula Gleeson Geraldine Dyer Kim Fielke Robert Gardner Glenda Gleeson Ruth Eagles Debra Fincham Raymond Garry Edith Godefroid Karen Day Sarah Dina Hannah Eaton Jeffrey Fischer Mapy Gaspar Rosas Jezra Goeldi Monica de Castellarnau Kathryn Dinh Mee Moi Edgar Jillian Fisher Kylie Gaudin Maria Goerg Cirera Tien Dinh James Edis Anthea Fisher Julie Gawthorne Eileen Goersdorf Veronique De Clerck Kyle D'Netto Kate Edmonds Catherine Flanigan Rochelle Gay Jane Goller Tanyth de Gooyer Peter Dobson Malaika El Amrani Karen Flegg Michelle Gayer Faye Gorman Gail de Lucia Kathleen Doherty Greg Elder Chris Fletcher Jane Patricia Geary Roisin Gormley Hugo De Vries Juliet Donald Katharine Elliott Anthony Flynn Nichelle Geary Matthew Gosney Cath Deacon Sarah Doncon Sarah Elliott Lai Heng Foong Catherine Georgeson Kate Goulding Gillian Deakin Mary Louise Done Max Ellis Khang Hoong Foong Michel Geurts Katherine Goulliart Jai Defranciscis Susan Dong Cam Emmerton Judith Forbes Atussa Ghahreman Lauren Gourley Rochelle DeLacey David Donnelly Larayne Emmott Paul Forde Skye Giannino Anita Gouthro Robert Delacour Tara Douglas Sue England Janice Forrester Cindy Gibb Jacqueline Gowers Robyn Delaney Stephanie Dowden Lisa Errol Claire Fotheringham Jacinta Gibson Ruth Grace Marga Den Hollander Sandra Downing David Evans Emilie Fourrey Jennifer Gibson Kate Gracey Steven Denshire Kelly Drew Natalie Evans Max Francis Davinder Gill Hamish Graham Sushila Desai Herwig Drobetz Janine Evans Katherine Franklin Emily Gill Megan Graham Yves Desjacques Jacinta Droste Nicholas Evans Marnie Fraser Fiona Gillett Bianca Graves AUGUST 2019 Paddy Dewan Philipp Du Cros Matthew Everitt David Friend Rowan Gillies Brendon Gray Anna Dicker Jennifer Duncombe Michelle Fadelli Vivienne Fries Anne Gilmour Lisa Gray Kelly Dilworth Martin Dunlop Sam Farmer Vicki Gaffney Nicole Gilroy Stephen Green

THE PULSE Andrew Dimitri Sophia Dunn John Farquharson Josephine Galassi Sonia Girle David Green 12 “I was first sent to Malawi with Médecins Sans A Médecins Sans Frontières staff Frontières in 1997. The year was spent working member attends with children who were affected by HIV/AIDS. to a child in the We barely had enough medication to treat nutrition centre their symptoms, never mind the source. As I of the HIV/ watched the children die one by one, I became AIDS program in Chiradzulu, increasingly frustrated and angry… when I Malawi, 2002. heard that a new pilot program for treatment of HIV was being trialled in Chiradzulu, Malawi (in 2002), I chose to return. The Médecins Sans Frontières program was set up in the local district hospital… we offer the drugs free of charge (at a cost to Médecins Sans Frontières of $30 per patient per month). HIV patients are treated with antiretroviral drugs and HIV-infected pregnant women are offered a short course treatment when they commence labour. Their babies are given Nevirapine syrup within 72 hours of birth to reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to unborn child. Though critics of our program have told us that patients would not be able to follow the strict drug regime or return for clinical follow-up (“they don’t even own a clock, how will they know what time to take their pills?”), we have found, without exception, that patients not only adhere to the strict regimes but also walk for up to three hours to keep their clinic appointments.” – Helle Poulsen-Dobbyns, from Sydney, on witnessing the impact of antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients on assignment as field coordinator in

© Isabelle Merny Malawi, 2002.

Nerida Greenaway Jez Hann Sean Healy Christopher Holden Janine Issa Jacqui Jones Carol Greenwell Diane Hanna Felicity Heath Debra-Lee Holman Nicolette Jackson Kathryn Jordan Belinda Greenwood- Tim Hannah Trudy Heemskerk Kaheba Clement Honda Claire Jackson Hugues Juillerat Smith Liam Hannon (Rosenwald) Marina Hooper Alyosha Jacobson Amanda Jupp Jane Greig Mary-Ann Hardcastle Kamal Heer Graeme Hooper Jennifer Jamieson Karolina Juszczyk Warren Grieef Kate Hardie Timothy Heffernan Nicholas Hooper Simon Janes Kamalini Kalahe-Lokuge Rebecca Grivas Amber Hargans Shanti Hegde Ingrid Hopper Richard Jansen Catherine Kalbfell Dee Groves Julie Harman Claire Helm Pauline Horrill Michael Janssens Karalyn Kalemba Lainie Grummitt Katrina Harper Deborah Heng Tambri Housen Sarah Jantos Stobdan Kalon Marina Guertin Heather Harris Michael Hering Kate-Louise Howard Vivegan Jayaretnam Jairam Kamala Anne-Sophie Guiraudou Michelle Harris Mairead Hetherington Melissa Hozjan Arunn Jegatheeswaran Ramakrishnan Jessie Gultia Dean Harris Catherine Hewison Kai Hsun Hsiao Anna Jenkins Ellen Kamara Julie Guy Victoria Harris Jacqueline Hewitt Serene Hu Simon Jenkinson Abi Kamara Toby Gwynne Penny Harrison Celeste Higgins Lynette Huang Amanda Jennings Rupa Kanapathipillai Sarah Haak Shelley Harris-Studdart Kimberley Hikaka Alan Hughes Tomas Jensen Parul Kashyap Madeleine Habib Sue Harrop Adelene Hilbig Elystan Hughes Hannah Jensen Miriam Kasztura Juliet Hackney John Hart Beth Hilton-Thorp Malcolm Hugo Michael Jerabek Marilyn Keane Katherine Hale Micaela Hartley Donna Hindmarsh David Humphreys Eric Jeunot Gregory Keane Shella Hall Mary Hartwig Christoph Hippchen Phil Humphris Shawny John Angela Keating Debra Hall Tasnim Hasan Kay Hodgetts Nicole Hunter William Johnson Warren Keen Emma Halliday Anna Haskovec Tamaris Hoffman Jacinta Hurst Anne Johnston Neville Kelly Dymphna Halls-Smith Hannah Hassell Freya Hogarth Gaetan Hutter Stephanie Johnston Alec Kelly Joshua Hallwright Ileana Hatton Reinhard Hohl Siry Ibrahim Louise Johnston Susan Kelsall

Jane Hancock Jacqueline Hawker Julie Holden Wisam Ihsheish Shelah Johnston Elspeth Kendall- .ORG.AU Carpenter Sarah Hanieh Rosemary Hay Jessica Holden Penelope Isherwood Stephanie Jones MSF 13 FIELD WORKERS

“Since I arrived, I have seen dozens more reasons for both

© MSF elation and dismay. If vulnerability is the defining feature of displaced persons, then their response to this surely shows the depths of the human capacity to survive. So, while my hospital round each day is full of people who have tipped over the edge of vulnerability, it is also full of those who survive against the odds.” – Dr Hamish Graham, from , writes from a field placement in Darfur, Sudan, in 2008. Médecins Sans Frontières began working in Darfur in 2004 to provide nutrition, water and sanitation and medical care for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing violence.

A mother feeds her child with ‘Plumpy’Nut’, a therapeutic food, in a camp for internally displaced people in Darfur, Sudan, 2008.

Psychologist Malcolm Hugo in Aceh, Indonesia, 2005.

“After the tsunami in Aceh, Médecins Sans Frontières conducted an assessment of basic material needs and we were subsequently able to distribute necessary items such as blankets, cooking utensils and clothing. We also facilitated and restored community activities such as soccer games, playgroups for children and public meetings where people can share their experiences and ways of coping. In Aceh, I held weekly meetings over three months with a Muslim women’s group. Discussions included grounding techniques (for coping with dissociation related to flashbacks), dealing with children’s nightmares, grief issues and shared problem solving.” – Malcolm Hugo, a psychologist from Adelaide, reflects on responding to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Australians donated more than $1 million within 36 hours to the cause – exceeding the estimated cost of an operational response to the tsunami, and leading Médecins Sans Frontières Australia to make the unprecedented decision to close its fundraising appeal to help focus donations back to other crises. © Anne Yzebe

Bethany Lansom Paula Llavallol Maggs MacGuinness Kurt Matson IN THE FIELD: 1994 - 2019 Victor Lasa Selina Lo John MacKenzie Maurisse Mausolf Emmanuel Lavieuville Shannon Lo Ricco Jenny Mackenzie Jaye Maxwell Megan Lavieuville Heather Loane Eleanor MacMorran Lisa Mazlin Elizabeth Kennedy Meryl Knoll Kelly Law Peter Locke Luke Maes Greg McAnulty Jonathan Kennedy John Knowles Nicholas Lawson Bronwyn Locke Anand Mahadev Kaye McArthur Dymphna Kenny James Knox Amy Le Compte Buddhima Lokuge Awras Majeed Eddy McCall Sarah Keron Bettina Kolker Robyn Lea Megan Long Suman Majumdar Don McCallum Dennis Kerr Marlene Kong Kathleen Leach Helen Longbottom Claire Manera Damien McCarthy Farida Khawaja Corrinne Kong Helen Leatham Peter Longson Ian Mannion Emer McCarthy Karen Kiang Peter Koole Rick Leckinger Rachel Loong Kezia Mansfield Kristen McClelland Rose Killalea Bruno Kowalczewski Virginia Lee Jorge Lopez Laura Margison Ann McComb Benjamin King Sarah Kowalczewski Christopher Lee Margaret Lord Jean-Paul Margot Sara McCulloch Lauren King Drasko Kraguljac Melanie Leemon Michael Loten Tonia Marquardt Tim McCulloch Tim Kirchler Cristina Krassny Richard Lees Janet Loughran Rachel Marsden Bethan McDonald Joanne Kirk Birgit Krickl Tracey Leslie Cathy Love Tania Martin Patrick McEntee Mitchell Kirk Raque Kunz Eu-Gin Lim Jessica Lovel Jayne Martin Anne McGeechan Barry Kirker Paul Kwa Ruth Lim Kirryn Lowe Natasha Martin Shauna McGlone Cameron Kiss Peter Labattaglia Yi Dan Lin Lesley Ludkin Paul Martyn Emily McGrath Grant Kitto Christopher Lack Kristen Lindsay Jane Lynch Damian Marucci David McGuinness Derryck Klarkowski Dennis Lagunay Karen Linton James Lynch Susan Masel Ben McKenzie

AUGUST 2019 Anne Kleinitz Devi Lalloo Rachel Lister Cathy Lyons Matthew Masel Alistair McKeown Dean Klement Amanda Lam David Lister Peter Macdonald Peter Mathew Naomi McLean Jenny Klimis (Yang) Charles Lancaster Myree Little Frances MacDonald Jeph Mathias Bronwynne McNeill

THE PULSE Jacinta Knell Anu Langdana Adam Liu David MacFarlane Kaaren Mathias Ewen McPherson 14 “Over the last four weeks, we have admitted over a

© MSF hundred people to the hospital for dehydration, infection or severe malnutrition. We’ve had women getting off buses already in labour, people with malaria, lots of people who need hospital-level 24-hour care to simply secure their survival. Within this culture, it’s not always easy for women to make decisions in these circumstances. Some evenings, I’ve talked to women about bringing their sick child to the hospital and they say they have to wait until their husband arrives. In those cases, we do what we can to provide immediate health care on the spot until someone can make that decision to bring the child to hospital. Logistician Damien Moloney on a field assignment in Niger, 2010. We’re meeting this community for the first time, so we have to be patient and try to understand their needs. “When I see a desperately sick kid come into the hospital, on What we might see as a priority is not necessarily the the verge of death, and see the worried face of the mother as she same for the family; that’s part of this new relationship hovers helplessly around the bed while the doctors and nurses we’re trying to develop.” treat her child, I know that we will all do our best, just for that – Vanessa Cramond, a nurse from Auckland, writes from the mother and child. 2012 refugee crisis in South Sudan, where she worked as medical coordinator with people who had crossed into Maban County The result isn’t always happy, but when, three weeks, a month, or six after fleeing fighting in Sudan’s Blue Nile state. months later, that mother and her child walk out of the hospital, I know that everyone – from the doctors and nurses who looked after them, to the logisticians who made sure the oxygen was working, to the cleaner who swept the floor, and all the way back to the office staff in Sydney who sent us to the field and the generous donors who © Corinne Baker/MSF make our work possible – contributed to the health of that child. And while we may not be able to save the world, we saved the life of that one child, and for that mother, we saved her flesh and blood, her world. And that is a joy that is impossible to replicate. This is the most rewarding job I can imagine.” Vanessa Cramond with a woman and her – Damien Moloney, from Melbourne, on working as a logistician during 12 field child in a refugee camp in South Sudan, 2012. placements with Médecins Sans Frontières.

Melissa McRae Brian Moller April Murphy Jane Newnham Wendy Olden Matthew Parnaby Brooke McReynolds Damien Moloney David Murray Jonathan Ng Jacinta O'Leary Philippe Pascal Brent McSharry Elham Monsef Sally Murray Doris Ng Evan O'Neill Zen Patel Helen Melville Rob Moodie Graeme Murrell Jonathan Nichol Robert Onus Jessica Paterson Robin Mendoza Catherine Moody Claire Mutton Matthew Nicholson Joanne Oo Mark Patrick Nicholas Menner Heather Moody Ramona Muttucumaru Jacqueline Noble Gerard O'Reilly Amanda Patterson Mark Meredith Sarah Moon Monica Muturi Lisa Noonan Ruth Osadebay Kristi Payten Matthew Merrington Daniel Moore Paul Myers Helena Novak Marco Antonio Osti Avila Gregory Pead Carolyn Merry Allison Moore Sacha Myers Chidiadi Nwogu Declan Overton Linda Pearson Wedyan Meshreky Alice Morgan Arjuna Nagendra Levi Nyabaro Jessica Overton Andrew Pearson Jo Mesure Peter Morris Uma Naguleswaran Caroline Nyoni Kay Packard Anke Peeters Jason Middleweek Luke Morris Carol Nagy Helen Oakey Meagan Packer Kathleen Pemberton Julianne Millar Carmel Morsi Julie Nahmani Daniel O'Brien Elise Page Stefanie Pender John Millard Kate Mort Devash Naidoo Mary O'Brien Victoria Paine Katrina Penney Rodney Miller Nikola Morton Sivapalan Namasivayam Michael O'Brien Vance Painter Lisa Percy Clair Mills Danielle Moss Sukumary Chandri Penny O'Connor Rhiannon Palmer Glenn Pereira Elizabeth Milroy Johan Mostert Nambiar Mike O'Connor Gandhi Pant Ronald Pereira Joonhong Min Victoria Mowat Alexander Nash Beth O'Connor Terry Parer Haydn Perndt Dwayne Minch Rosanne Muller David Nash Miranda Odam Sneha Parghi Melinda Perrottet Sunaina Miranda Annekathrin Muller Ali Nasir Nick O'Halloran Angela Park Stuart Perry Sharon Miskell Susan Mundt Stephenie Neblett Joy O'Hazy Josiah Park Carol Petrie Sue Mitchell Anthony Munster James Neeson Daniel O'Keefe Natalie Park Susan Petrie June Mitchell Dianne Murphy Edward Negus Meena Okera John Parker Irina Petrova

Sarah Moberley Allen Murphy Amy Neilson Stephen Old Helen Parker Ken Pettit .ORG.AU

Alison Moebus Caroline Murphy Mary Jo Neustifter Elizabeth Oldcorn Emma Parker Eike Pfluger MSF 15 FIELD WORKERS

“It is an incredible yet tragic situation to witness… thousands of desperate people risking their lives – at times, their entire family – to escape from intolerable conditions. On one day in the Mediterranean our small medical team of six rescued 1,000 people who were on three separate leaking vessels (two inflatable dinghies and one wooden fishing boat) from perishing at sea. It is very sad to realise that many of us living comfortable, safe lives have a sense of fear and suspicion toward these people, and that many governments play on these fears to avoid responding in a humanitarian way.” – Carol Nagy, from Hobart, reflects on assisting Nurse Carol Nagy rushes people making the dangerous journey from an eight-month-old Africa to Europe, while placed with the Médecins Nigerian baby to the clinic Sans Frontières joint search, rescue and medical on the search and rescue vessel MY Phoenix, 2015. operation in the Central Mediterranean, 2015. Casini/MSF Gabriele François ©

“Here were people who

© MSF had lost everything, but they still offered us food and what was left of their homes.” – Gandhi Pant, a nurse from Bathurst, NSW, worked as part of the Médecins Sans Frontières emergency team that provided healthcare to people in remote mountainous Nurse Gandhi Pant assesses areas of Nepal after the a patient in Nepal, 2015. 2015 earthquake.

Jenifer Reynolds Michael Rowell Markku Sarubin Amelia Shanahan IN THE FIELD: 1994 - 2019 Hannah Rice Frederick Royce Naomi Saunders Jacqui Shand Rob Richardson Sebastian Rubinsztein- Peter Saunders Rachna Shankar Keith Rickart Dunlop Thomas Schaefer Hema Shankar Robert Pickard John Pudney Katherine Rickus Amy Ruede Susanne Schmitt Tarryn Sharp Martha Pickering Steven Purbrick Keiole Rima Maria Ruiz Laconcepción Caterina Schneider-King Bruce Sharp Joseph Pickett Vinod Pushpalingam Joanne Risk Christopher Rumball Helmut Schoengen Ben Shearman Françoise Pierre Meg Quartermaine Jodie Robb Alex Rutherford Thomas Schulz Sally Sheehan Donna Pini Amy Radford Kathryn Roberts Andrew Ryan Melissa Schulz Roger Shelton Francesca Pinzone Stephen Rado Simon Roberts Caitlin Ryan Natalie Schulz John Shephard David Pittaway Nastaran Rafiei Alisa Robertson Fariba Saadvandi Patricia Schwerdtle Jayne Sheppard Christine Polinelli Narelle Raiss Will Robertson James Sadlier Elizabeth Scott Peter Sheridan Jonathan Polke Vidthiya Rajasundaram Kerrie-Lee Robertson Joanne Sage Alan Scott Loren Shirley Rowan Pollock Brian Raleigh Rachel Robertson Christian Saignes Lucienne Scott Simone Silberberg Tim Pont Vino Ramasamy Leslie Roberts-Thomson Miho Saito Sarah Scott Nicolas Silberstein Jessa Pontevedra Jessica Ramsay John Robinson Eugen Salahoru Maurice Scott Robyn Silcock Karen Poole Paul Randles Alexandra Rodwell Geeta Sales Lisa Searle Justine Simons Helle Poulsen-Dobbyns Karin Rautenbacher Helen Rogers Ranya Samaan Michael Seawright Robert D Simpson Melanie Pountney Dick Rawson Natalia Rojas Ric Sandblom Sandra Sedlmaier Saschveen Singh Lesli Bell Powell Donna Raymond Amrita Ronnachit Rosanna Sanderson Rolands Selis Hazel Singh John Pratt Siobhan Reddel Tria Rooney Robin Sands Alexandra Serri Dan Siskind AUGUST 2019 Janthimala Price Matthew Reid Thomas Rossi Arnold Santiago Matthew Serventy Edward Sixsmith Shannon Price Dale Reidy Thomas Roth Kriya Saraswati Karina Severin Brent Skippen Ruth Priestley Lisa Renkin Stratos Roussos Kiera Sargeant Michael Shanahan Vicki Slinko

THE PULSE Janice Pritchard-Jones Marie Reyes Valerie Rowan Stephanie Sarta Christine Shanahan Kirsten Sloan 16 “Yesterday was tough. Sadly, we lost a very kind young man despite the incredibly compassionate care our team provided. But, thankfully, some wonderful news today with one of

© Antonio Faccilongo Antonio © our patients being cured – cause for celebration indeed! The first patient who was discharged as cured from our unit was Mwamini. The literal translation of her name is ‘ faith’. When she heard the news, Mwamini broke into song and dance. Our hardworking team and two fellow patients joined in to celebrate this most joyous moment. Mwamini is an incredible inspiration to our whole team and has continued my faith in humanity. This has touched my heart forever.” – Dr Saschveen Singh, from , shares a story of hope from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr Saschveen Singh inside the Médecins A young boy recovers in the Sans Frontières- Médecins Sans Frontières clinic in supported Ebola Kutupalong camp, in Cox’s Bazar, treatment centre Bangladesh, September 2017. in Butembo, Democratic Republic “We have a baby on our ward who is dehydrated and so severely of Congo, 2018. malnourished that we’re not quite sure how old she is. She was brought to us by a woman who found her left behind at one of the border crossing points. This child has no family that we know of. And yes, she’s getting medical treatment, and thankfully improving every day, but where is she meant to go from here? I can only imagine how incredibly terrible it must have been in their home village, if this is what they chose. If this is the better option, the other must have been a living hell.” – Kate White, a nurse from , writes home from Cox’s Bazar in 2017, as Médecins Sans Frontières teams provided urgent medical care to a massive influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing targeted violence in Rakhine state, Myanmar. Wessels John ©

Mitchell Smith Brett Stathis Marianne Sutton Ann Thompson Megan Turkington Anousha Victoire Geoff Smith Melinda Staunton Katrina Swanson Adrian Thompson Catherine Turner Jeanne Vidal Donna Smith Margaret Stebbing Elisha Swift Neil Thompson Raewyn Turner Luis Villa Villanueva Sarah Smith Henri Stein John Swinnen Ivan Thompson Kate Tyson Laura Villoldo Salvatella Ian Smith Robin Stephan Nicola Syrett Johanna Thomson Kyla Ulmer Ramona Vlaar Richard Smith Graham Stephen Gordon Tam Natalie Thurtle Wayne Ulrich Thomas Volkman Stella Smith Rose Stephens Wanda Tan Louise Timbs Gearly Umayam Tina Voolmann Jill Smith Cassie Stephens Evan Tanner Emma Timmins Richard Urmonas Caroline Wade Robyn Smythe Sally Stevenson Mary-Jane Tattersall Helen Tindall Paras Valeh Sue Wainwright Lana Snipes Danielle Stewart Mauricia Anne Taylor Sue Todd Ester Vallero Laurence Walker Oleg Sokhiev Jeff Stewart Jemma Taylor Jacqui Tong Hedwig van Asten Britta Walker Grant Somers Deanna Stewart Barbara Telfer Edith Torricke-Barton Petra van Beek David Walkley Sally Somi Judith Stewart Sam Templeman Sarah Touzeau Angela Van Beek Rebecca Walley Martin Sosa Alexandra Stewart Fiona Terry Amy Towle Shereena-Lee Van de Peter Wallis Rebecca South Hilary Stiel Marianne Testi Russell Townsend Berkt Amanda Wallis Michelle Spelman Rosemary Stone Anna-Lena Tews Mohamad-Ali Trad Anita van den Broek Genevieve Walls Heidi Spillane Adam Stone Matthew Tey Kylie Travers Claire Van der Linden Helen Walsh Adelle Springer Benjamin Storey Devika Tharumaratnam Katie Treble Rhys van der Rijt Adam Walter Erica Spry Adrienne Storken Rogan Thavarajah Melanie Triffitt Johanna van Grinsven Johanna Wapling Geoffrey Spurling Ivan Stratov Theane Theophilos Lisa Trigger-Hay Maureen van Rossum du Margaret Ward Jonathan Stacey Wei-Yuen Su Susan Thomas Nicole Trim Chattel Mark Ward Amanda Stack Barry Suckling Sally Thomas Murray Trubshaw Corinne van Veldhuisen Michael Ward Peter Stadly Penelope Summons Kathleen Thomas Samantha Tuckwell Pauline Vandenberg Michael Ward Jones

Jeff Stanton Rachel Sun Melanie Thompson Rachel Tullet Jessica Vanderwal Sally Warriner .ORG.AU Deidre Vaughan Yvette Stanton Brett Sutton Greg Thompson Caitlin Tunnicliffe Graeme Washer MSF 17 FIELD WORKERS

A young patient, injured “A call came through that a suicide vest had been detonated by a mortar explosion, at a checkpoint and ‘a few ambulances were on the way.’ speaks with relatives © Alice Martins Alice © in a Médecins Sans I’ve never wanted to forget something so desperately as the Frontières field trauma first time I saw you. As I finished treating the sixth patient in clinic in Iraq, 2017. an hour, I watched as you were wheeled into the only empty space in a rapidly shrinking emergency room. Yours was one of two tiny bodies laid out on a steel bed meant for broken adults, bodies destroyed as tokens of war. Your baby brother was next to you. I choked back tears and the acrid taste of vomit as my world hurtled from one where babies cried when they were immunised, hungry only in the minutes it took to prepare a bottle, hurt only in learning to walk – to one where children are brought to hospitals bloodied and seemingly lifeless. Two weeks later, I was the fortunate one. Tracking you down to a hospital two hours away, I walked with quiet apprehension into your room to find you sprawled in childish sleep – one hand instinctively flung over your younger sibling, your ally. And then on waking, seeing you vital, playing, cuddling for hours is the most precious memory I could take from an experience that overwhelmed every sense.” – Dr Georgie Woolveridge, from Hobart, recalls a child patient she treated in 2018 in Tal Maraq, Iraq.

“I witnessed a system that shatters people’s resilience, identity and hope . . . It is extremely concerning that our patients remain on Nauru, with no access to independent mental health services. As a doctor, I believe I have a professional duty to advocate for my patients; to address the cause of their mental health decline rather than continuing to simply provide individual treatment.” The Médecins Sans – Psychiatrist Dr Beth O’Connor, from Frontières mental , treated asylum seekers and health team attends refugees on Nauru for 11 months, until the to a patient on forced exit of Médecins Sans Frontières Nauru in 2018. from the island in October 2018. © MSF

Virginie Whiteway- Stephanie Williams Jocelyn Woodman Sofie Yelavich IN THE FIELD: 1994 - 2019 Wilkinson Anita Williams Shelagh Woods Chui Hsia Yong Kerryn Whittaker Penny Wilson Heidi Woods Lehnen Grace Yoo Annie Whybourne Christine Wilson June Woolford Kristi Young Colin Watson Susanne Weress Suzel Wiegert William Wilson Georgina Woolveridge Lisa Yu Jessie Watson Melissa Werry Peter Wigg Bill Wilson Brian Worboys Mathew Zacharias Gabrielle Watt Richard Wesley Ann-Marie Wilcock Alexander Wilson Helen Wright Peter Zauner Nicholas Watt Florence West Evelyn Wilcox Paula Wines Vicki Wright Peter Zelas Jared Watts Prudence Wheelwright Paul Wilcox Noni Winkler Shelley Wright Tracy Zordan Jean Wauchope Eline Whist Brian Willett Chris Withington Barbara Wyatt AUGUST 2019 Catherine Webb Kate White Kelly Williams Helen Wolsey Olivia Yacoub Peter Weiske Johanna White Neil Williams Thomas Wong Hakan Yaman Diana Wellby Victoria White Timothy Williams Nicholas Wood Chatu Yapa

THE PULSE Janine Wendeling David Whitehead Kate Williams Michael Woodman Paul Yarnall 18 An MSF staff member talks with SUPPORTER PROFILE a patient in a displaced person’s SUPPORTER PROFILE camp in northeast Iraq, 2016. A legacy © MSF without borders

NAME: Robert and Mitzi Robinson Robert and Mitzi Robinson met in post-war Japan in 1945. Robert was in the and volunteered to serve in Japan as a part of the Australian Occupation Forces. On Shikoku Island he headed the local Civilian Labour Office, which helped the Japanese people recover and rebuild. There he met Mitzi (then known as © Ton Koene© Ton Mitsuko) who managed the Labour Office finances. Although Robert and Mitzi came from atherine Quin is a long-time supporter community than if I had just left everything vastly different backgrounds, they shared who has also made the extraordinary to my healthy and secure family, and that’s fundamental beliefs and life goals: Kcommitment to leave a gift to Médecins very important to me. these formed the basis of a partnership Sans Frontières Australia in her Will. that endured for seven decades. Their “I first began supporting Médecins Sans marriage was only the second Australian- Frontières in 2001 after seeing an exhibition “For me, the concept of a Japanese union recorded by the Tokyo of pictures drawn by children in war-torn Australian Embassy. areas. The drawings were confronting and legacy is not about having Both understood that all people share quite distressing. As a person who’s worked your name in stone somewhere, the same fundamental needs. But by in education and has a real passion for accidents of birth, some are born in young people, I am disturbed that we have it’s about the positive impact peaceful developed nations while others these cycles of war leaving a lasting impact are not. on children – and that there are people who your legacy can have.” don’t know what life without war looks like. Both Robert and Mitzi strongly believed that the fortunate ones hold an There was also an exhibition area explaining Médecins Sans Frontières is a fantastic obligation to assist those less fortunate. the nutritional work Médecins Sans organisation and I feel comfortable knowing They became Field Partners (monthly Frontières undertakes when responding to that my bequest to them will be well spent. supporters) of Médecins Sans Frontières emergencies. One of the volunteers showed us It is a privilege to be involved in the work Australia in 2001 and also elected to the MUAC armbands used to determine if a of such an amazing group of people. We are provide generous bequests in each of child has malnutrition, and it was horrendous incredibly lucky to be in a position to make their Wills. They discussed their decision to think that anyone could have an arm that such a marked difference on the world, with their family at the time of writing small and still be considered healthy. and a bequest is an opportunity to leave their Wills, which was understood and The reason I have continued to support something behind.” fully supported. Médecins Sans Frontières for over 17 years is Just as important as the financial legacy because I believe the organisation’s actions Leaving a gift left by Robert and Mitzi is the strong are in line with its clearly-stated mission belief which they impressed on their and that they are particularly efficient and By remembering Médecins Sans children and grandchildren - that all sustainable in their work. I really value their Frontières in your Will, you are making people are equal and everyone shares vision, it speaks closely to my heart. I also a unique commitment. Your legacy an obligation to be compassionate and believe in their impartial and long-term will ensure that our teams can continue supportive to those less fortunate. approach. They respond to a crisis, work to respond rapidly to emergencies in partnership with the local population to whenever they occur and provide manage the situation, and offer support. medical assistance to future generations. For me, the concept of a legacy is not about For more information about leaving a gift in having your name in stone somewhere, it’s For more information on your Will, please visit msf.org.au/bequest about the positive impact your legacy can making a gift to MSF, please visit or contact our Planned Giving Coordinator have. I know the dollars I leave will have www.msf.org.au/bequest .ORG.AU on 02 8570 2680.

a more substantial benefit in the global MSF

19 25 YEARS, 100 COUNTRIES MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES

AUSTRALIA IN FIGURES 79

70 8

53 99 44 89 62 29 22 63 9 81 KEY 46 11 30 64 54 100 47 60 2 6 32 4 97 96 91 100+ 95 59 90 42 49 40 39 1 65 74 43 69 50-100 73 18 52 25 61 7 67 25-50 37 48 58 71 88 35 26 123 33 36 93 77 17 12 23 14 0-25 34 72 28 87 82 41 31 16 86 51 15 68 19 84 57 98 20 45 24 21 78 38 13 76 92 75 94 83 10 56 80 3 66 103 Over the course of 25 years, 101 104 55 Australian and New Zealand field workers have been placed in hot spots 27 5 on six continents. The 'heat map' 50 85 shows everywhere they have served since 1994, and the numbers working in each country over the years.

Country Departures Country Departures Country Departures Country Departures Country Departures Country Departures 1 Afghanistan 173 19 Colombia 10 37 India 31 55 Madagascar 2 73 Pakistan 145 91 Tajikistan 15 2 Albania 1 20 Congo 7 38 Indonesia 45 56 Malawi 59 74 Palestine 75 92 Tanzania 30 3 Angola 28 21 Democratic Republic of Congo 92 39 Iran 18 57 Malaysia 6 75 Papua New Guinea 76 93 Thailand 24 4 Armenia 22 22 Croatia 3 40 Iraq 129 58 Mali 2 76 Peru 2 94 Timor-Leste 21 5 Australia 1 23 Djibouti 3 41 Ivory Coast 24 59 Malta 1 77 Philippines 33 95 Tunisia 2 6 Azerbaijan 3 24 Ecuador 1 42 Japan 2 60 Mediterranean Sea Rescue 13 78 Rwanda 6 96 Turkey 2 7 Bangladesh 64 25 Egypt 3 43 Jordan 41 61 Mexico 2 79 Russian Federation 10 97 Turkmenistan 4 8 Belarus 1 26 Eritrea 1 44 Kazakhstan 3 62 Moldova 1 80 Samoa 1 98 Uganda 119 9 Bosnia and Herzegovina 11 27 Eswatini 14 45 Kenya 102 63 Mongolia 3 81 Serbia 3 99 Ukraine 19 10. Brazil 1 28 Ethiopia 125 46 Kosovo 9 64 Montenegro 2 82 Sierra Leone 102 100 Uzbekistan 34 11 Bulgaria 1 29 France 4 47 Kyrgyzstan 17 65 Morocco 1 83 Solomon Islands 2 101 Vanuatu 1 12 Burkina Faso 5 30 Georgia 31 48 Laos 2 66 Mozambique 20 84 Somalia 40 102 Yemen 123 13 Burundi 20 31 Ghana 1 49 Lebanon 27 67 Myanmar 44 85 South Africa 5 103 Zambia 15 14 Cambodia 29 32 Greece 5 50 Lesotho 1 68 Nauru 3 86 South Sudan 380 104 Zimbabwe 19 15 Cameroon 13 33 Guatemala 3 51 Liberia 127 69 Nepal 32 87 Sri Lanka 88 105 Other countries 9 16 Central African Republic 41 34 Guinea 7 52 Libya 34 70 Netherlands 1 88 Sudan 161 17 Chad 39 35 Haiti 67 53 Luxembourg 1 71 Niger 22 89 Switzerland 2 18 China 37 36 Honduras 3 54 Macedonia 3 72 Nigeria 178 90 Syria 94