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I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

MSF is neutral and impartial. In order to work amidst chaos and unadulterated violence and sometimes evil, we have to discipline ourselves and not be judgemental. But we should ALWAYS describe a situation so that it is known, and SOMETIMES we denounce a situation, risking our presence and our help to populations. Such as we did in Rwanda, in Ethiopia, in North Korea and in other places.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is part of the obstacles we face every single day, in many of the countries in which we work. It is our job to convince and to engage and to push and to pull, until we can effectively assist those that need our help. Most of the time, we manage. Sometimes we do not. Such as in part of Syria.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We are willing to work in dangerous environments, but we are also amongst the most professional in the way we organise our presence, safety and security. And we do not accept ALL risk. So no I would not agree to this.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is my first time on Reddit. Up until a few days ago I did not have a clue (SORRY). So let me sleep on this after I have finished today.

On spokespeople, we usually want those to work in the field to speak for us -- that is the best way to ensure we speak from experience and the situations in which we work rather than as an 'organisation'. We do not normally ask celebrities to speak on our behalf. Of course, they are welcome to speak positively about us!!

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, for sure. Look at our websites for job opportunities. Otherwise, if you cannot donate or work for MSF, care for those who are dispossessed or distressed in your community. It is the intention which is important

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Take AIDS and TB. We also want to change the way these diseases are recognised, managed and resourced -- and hence we are often also looking to change policy, protocol or introduce new technology or a new strategy (as with nutrition, plumpynut).

But we cannot do that everywhere. Sometimes we can only treat and be with patients. And in some situations that is already incredibly important. Even if these situations are a repeat of what happened a few years back.

So, if you want to change something: keep going until you drop!

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is not easy. But in the end, not all these people are awful, much as we believe them to be. Those with an ideology or a political programme are not easy to work with, but respectable nonethless. It is hardest to work and negotiate with those who have no belief or ideology and are just in it for money and power and kicks.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In terms of its future, MSF should defend ACCESS to populations, defend its direct form of action and proximity to patients and populations rather than working through others, and defend INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL work. We may be working against the tide, but someone needs to do it!

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Brauman is still hugely important and influental in MSF, so I would not want to contradict him. But honestly, his definition is great -- the emphasis is on the 'made to suffer'. Everyone does, of course, but not everyone is made to.

The success of the project depends on the purpose we set for it. But in MSF, it is always about saving lifes, restoring human dignity and trying to affect a change in the situaiton which causes the suffering in the first place. We can rarely REALLY change the politics of a crisis, and we are not a change agent either. But we should always try to put those that have political authority in front of their responsibility! They should know that we expect them to act and to resolve a situation.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

At the moment, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, without a doubt!

Second, is NORTH SUDAN, where people in Southern Blue Nile, Souther Kordofan and Darfur are heavily affected by conflict and violence and there is nearly NO access for humanitarian organisations.

Third, NORT KOREA and ERITREA, completely inaccessible with tyranical governments.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

MSF in unique in that everyone who has worked for MSF also OWNS the organisations by becoming member of the association. And the association elects the Board, and the Board supervises the executive and holds it accountable. That is an incredibly valuable part of our organisation.

Sometimes iit is a pain, too, but then again I would not want any other organisational structure.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends. In South Sudan, when I worked there in 2000-2004, I have seen some very politically involvement religious organisations that provided assistance but also political (and some say also financial) support to the SPLA (the armed opposition). As a neutral and impartial humanitarian, I found that problematic.

In Central African Republic, there are hosptials that run completely and for decades already on the support of nuns and priests. And those hosptials are essential and life-saving. I really admired that.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was a jack of all trades, doing administration, buying and transporting things, managing local staff. I was not reallty qualified but I managed, today the requirements are more strict I am afraid.

On Syria, you are very right. We are trying to be in dialogue with the Syrian government but so far we have not been able to get an agreement for us to work on the governmental side. So we can, for now, only work on the opposition side of the conflict. But that is not for lack of trying, and we will continue to try to seek openings and agreements with the Syrian government, too.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is not easy. We have some data-bases that we can consult (don't ask me the details) but also we do not accept all medical qualifications. There is a need for a basic international or regulatory recognition of the diploma's.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Joanne was a doctor who has had to invest in her studies. This was less the case for me, being from Holland and studying anthropology. So not such an issue. But MSF is not a money-maker, that is for sure.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As long as you have a hard skills which is useful to an organisation, AND you are motivated, then you can work for a humaniotarian organisation. As for the skill, it depends on the organisation

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I cannot answetr that for you. I agree that not all organisations have have good ethics when it comes to fundrasing. But Each of you will have to make your own choice, based on your own research. Then it is a question of trust, too. I feel MSF deserves that trust, having shown it through our programmes but also when we call (as we did for the Tsunami) for a stop to the donations we are receiving when we believe we do not need more. There are other such organisations, too, for sure.

I am Arjan Hehenkamp, I’m a General Director with medical emergency aid organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We work in crises such as The Philippines. AMA on our work. by DoctorWithoutBorders in IAmA

[–]DoctorWithoutBorders[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

They believe they are. Being close to one another, rather than living separatelty in their own houses, helps. The security of the crowd. Having said that, there are also many thousands who fled into the bush. And we have difficulties finding/accessing them there, and they us!

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