6 ways MSF is responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is one of the largest medical-humanitarian organisations in the world, with operations in more than 70 countries. With our long history of responding to disease outbreaks and epidemics, we are in a unique position to help respond to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that is sweeping the globe.

This 120-bed hospital support unit in Leganés, Spain provides additional capacity for hospitals in the region. © Olmo Calvo / MSF
- In Spain we have established two health units with more than 200 beds to support hospitals in Madrid. These beds will be used to take patients with moderate symptoms, which frees up capacity for hospitals to focus on the most critical cases.
- We are also advising Spanish health authorities as they develop temporary units to expand hospital capacity in Madrid, Catalonia – including two hospitals in Barcelona – and in Vitoria.
- In Italy, we are supporting three hospitals in the Lombardia region - the first epicentre of the outbreak in the country - with infection prevention and control (IPC).
- In Haiti, we are converting Drouillard Hospital - previously a referral hospital for severe burns - into a 50 bed COVID-19 facility.
- In Belgium’s capital Brussels, we have set up a facility with 50 beds designed for migrants and homeless people to isolate, receive medical care and be transferred to hospital. Capacity can be increased to 150 beds if needed.
2. Supporting healthcare workers and clinics

MSF has been offering support to health workers to help them fight the epidemic safely. Carlotta, coordinator of the MSF project, with the collaboration of an nurse from the hospital hygiene service, and the help of the head of the radiology service, is securing the examination room. © Lisa Veran / MSF
- In Belgium, we are supporting five hospitals by providing training and technical advice, and are prepared to help increase admission capacity should the need arise.
- In Syria, we are providing training and technical support for workers setting up isolation areas and patient flow design in Azaz and Idlib.
3. Supporting the elderly

MSF is supporting nursing homes to protect guests and staff in Marche region, Italy. In the COVID-19 crisis, facilities for the elderly are among the most vulnerable, often lacking the specialised medical knowledge and equipment of hospitals. © MSF
4. Supporting migrants, refugees and the homeless

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, midwife Shahana and traditional birth attendant Nur Bahar visit expectant mother, Hamida, in a refugee camp for Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. © Anthony Kwan / MSF
- In Paris and surrounding areas, MSF teams are intervening in emergency shelters, helping detect those who are potentially ill with COVID-19.In the coming days the team plans to expand activities to provide consultations to people living on the street.
- In Geneva, MSF is providing logistical and health support for vulnerable groups living in precarious conditions, and training to staff and volunteers working with these groups.
- In Samos refugee camp in Greece, we are supporting the isolation of confirmed cases, while in Moria refugee camp in Lesbos, MSF has prepared an emergency plan in the case that the epidemic spreads.
- At the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, we are preparing isolation wards and patient waiting rooms in anticipation of patients showing symptoms of COVID-19.
5. Ensuring access to COVID-19 drugs

A 3D render of Coronavirus disease cells. © Shutterstock
6. Preparing for the pandemic in low-to-middle income countries

MSF donated 3.5 tonnes of personal protective equipment to health workers at the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital in Hubei province, China. © MSF
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