Doctors Without Borders - Launching operations in the United States

Health systems around the world are struggling to deal with surging cases of COVID-19. We are responding to the novel coronavirus pandemic in more than 70 countries around the world, including here in the United States.   Vulnerable groups, such as people who are currently homeless or housing insecure, lack necessary resources to remain safe and healthy amidst an epidemic. Greater focus on under-resourced communities in the United States is urgently needed to ensure that all people can protect themselves and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many don’t have the option to shelter in place and lack access to basic hygiene facilities. The COVID-19 epidemic in the United States puts them at even greater peril. Since the start of the outbreak, MSF has received hundreds of inquiries from civil society organizations, local governments and health care providers serving affected communities across the United States seeking guidance on keeping staff and clients safe. Jean Stowell, head of MSF’s COVID-19 team in the United States, said: "In the United States, state governments have taken the lead in the pandemic response, and there are vast disparities in access to services from one location to another. Based on our own experience responding to infectious disease outbreaks around the world, MSF is helping organizations and health care providers in the United States adapt and apply public health guidance according to the needs and resources available in their particular communities."

In New York City, the current epicenter of the global pandemic, over 50,000 people sleep in homeless shelters each night. MSF is partnering with local organizations to improve infection prevention and control measures in facilities serving people who are homeless or housing insecure. We have donated over 80 handwashing stations to places like soup kitchens and supportive housing facilities and are distributing 1,000 mobile phones to vulnerable New Yorkers who lack the essential technology needed to contact emergency and support services, including telemedicine providers. Our teams have also opened a temporary shower trailer in Manhattan, offering free showers to people who currently lack access to such facilities.

MSF has also sent teams to assess local needs in several other locations where populations lack equitable access to pandemic response services, including in Puerto Rico, Florida and Native American communities in the southwest.

These are difficult times to say the least. But MSF has been able to scale up in more than 70 countries around the world. Our monthly donors, our Field Partners, ensure we’re prepared to go where others can’t–or won’t–when emergency strikes. That's why, as we face the new challenges presented by the pandemic, our Board of Advisors is challenging us to bring in 1,000 new monthly supporters this month. If we meet this goal, they will match these gifts with a one-time grant of $120,000! If you’re in a position to give right now, your generosity could help save lives: Will you join us today to have your first monthly gift matched to help send medical aid where it’s needed most?

All of us at Doctors Without Borders are thinking of you and your loved ones at this time. We’re so grateful for your support—and we’re wishing you all the best.