Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS Clim. 6 March 2024; Volume 3 (Issue 3); e0000243.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pclm.0000243
McIver L, Beavon E, Malm A, Awad A, Uyen A, et al.
PLOS Clim. 6 March 2024; Volume 3 (Issue 3); e0000243.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pclm.0000243
This mixed-methods study focuses on the evidence of the health impacts of climate change on populations affected by humanitarian crises, presented from the perspective of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)–the world’s largest emergency humanitarian medical organisation. The Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was used as the basis of a narrative review, with evidence gaps highlighted and additional literature identified relevant to climate-sensitive diseases and health problems under-reported in–or absent from–the latest IPCC report. An internal survey of MSF headquarters staff was also undertaken to evaluate the perceived frequency and severity of such problems in settings where MSF works. The findings of the survey demonstrate some discrepancies between the health problems that appear most prominently in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report and those that are most relevant to humanitarian settings. These findings should be used to guide the direction of future research, evidence-based adaptations and mitigation efforts to avoid the worst impacts of climate change on the health of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Technical Report > Policy Brief
Baxter LM, Cowan K, Devine C, Guevara M, Kalub D, et al.
27 October 2022
As an independent international medical humanitarian organisation responding to health crises in more than 70 countries, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is seeing first-hand the suffering caused or exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradation, most often experienced by the most vulnerable people. We are witnessing how climate change directly threatens health – for example, through death and injury due to extreme weather – and how climate change impacts health indirectly, through food insecurity and shifting patterns of climate-sensitive infectious diseases.
Recognising the role of the climate crisis in amplifying humanitarian needs, MSF is adapting its operations to be more responsive to the populations it serves while also facing up to the challenges of measuring and reducing its own environmental footprint.
Recognising the role of the climate crisis in amplifying humanitarian needs, MSF is adapting its operations to be more responsive to the populations it serves while also facing up to the challenges of measuring and reducing its own environmental footprint.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
South Sudan Med J. 1 November 2020; Volume 13 (Issue 4); 146-152.
Said M, Valdespino E, Baba SP, Lako RL, Malm A, et al.
South Sudan Med J. 1 November 2020; Volume 13 (Issue 4); 146-152.
INTRODUCTION
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease affecting around five million people, causing more than 100,000 annual deaths, as well as serious disabilities; however, access to antivenom and high-quality programmatic care remain a global challenge
OBJECTIVE
Due to the high burden of snakebite in South Sudan and the serious negative outcomes if left untreated, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) integrated snakebite care for the first time among its priorities and consolidated a programme in Agok Hospital.
METHOD
We describe the history, implementation, and challenges of the MSF snakebite programme.
RESULTS
The number of snakebite patients at MSF Agok Hospital has increased each year. From 2013 to 2019, MSF treated 2,005 snakebite patients. In 2019 there were 527 snakebite admissions, 47% presented with severe envenomation, and one death. Puff adders, vipers and various cobras were identified. Agok Hospital gained understanding on the barriers and facilitators for the population to access care after a snakebite. MSF developed “snakebite diagnosis and treatment” algorithms, and provided clinical training, with the validation of national health authorities. Preventive activities were reinforced. Integration of surgical services was an essential programmatic aspect to monitor and treat complications. Challenges for implementation included a lack of easily available antivenoms in the international market. and the need of a strong supply chain and procurement systems.
CONCLUSION
The delivery of healthcare towards snakebite patients can be successfully implemented when prioritized. Global efforts to improve access and quality of antivenoms and snakebite care could help removing Snakebite Envenoming from the Neglected Tropical Diseases list.
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease affecting around five million people, causing more than 100,000 annual deaths, as well as serious disabilities; however, access to antivenom and high-quality programmatic care remain a global challenge
OBJECTIVE
Due to the high burden of snakebite in South Sudan and the serious negative outcomes if left untreated, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) integrated snakebite care for the first time among its priorities and consolidated a programme in Agok Hospital.
METHOD
We describe the history, implementation, and challenges of the MSF snakebite programme.
RESULTS
The number of snakebite patients at MSF Agok Hospital has increased each year. From 2013 to 2019, MSF treated 2,005 snakebite patients. In 2019 there were 527 snakebite admissions, 47% presented with severe envenomation, and one death. Puff adders, vipers and various cobras were identified. Agok Hospital gained understanding on the barriers and facilitators for the population to access care after a snakebite. MSF developed “snakebite diagnosis and treatment” algorithms, and provided clinical training, with the validation of national health authorities. Preventive activities were reinforced. Integration of surgical services was an essential programmatic aspect to monitor and treat complications. Challenges for implementation included a lack of easily available antivenoms in the international market. and the need of a strong supply chain and procurement systems.
CONCLUSION
The delivery of healthcare towards snakebite patients can be successfully implemented when prioritized. Global efforts to improve access and quality of antivenoms and snakebite care could help removing Snakebite Envenoming from the Neglected Tropical Diseases list.
Technical Report > Policy Brief
Smiley S, McIver L, Schwerdtle PN, Lugli M, Claire A, et al.
21 October 2021
This brief details MSF’s experiences providing humanitarian assistance in contexts heavily affected by climate change; adapting our operations to climate-related threats; and working to reduce our environmental impact. Much like the process of ‘greening’ this vast, global movement, this brief is incomplete, imperfect: it tells an infinitely complex story from a limited range of perspectives, and poses more questions than it answers as we grapple with emergent facts. Given the imminent existential threat presented by current levels of environmental degradation, these limitations can probably be forgiven. But as we witness the human toll and deep injustice of the climate crisis, silence is, once again, not an option.