Statements & Opinion

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways of preventing deadly diseases, saving millions of lives every year around the world. But ensuring that these life-saving medical tools are available where and when they're needed can be difficult. 

As Australia begins rolling out COVID-19 vaccination programs to combat the coronavirus, here are a few things you should know about the vaccines currently available—and about how effective distribution can end the pandemic more quickly for everyone.  

On 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military staged a coup and took control of the country, once again plunging it into military rule. The military has declared a year-long state of emergency citing the failure of the civilian government to address election irregularities, and has detained key political figures and a number of journalists and political activists. 

Our medical programs are currently still running, but staff movements have been restricted and the situation remains fragile. Our statement below has been prepared by Benoit de Gryse, MSF Operational Manager for Myanmar.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as keeping your physical health in check. It requires careful attention and action. This is becoming increasingly difficult today, with the additional pressure of adjusting to the uncertainties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 

As we adjust to differences in our lives that have been brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, many of us may be feeling anxious or losing sleep. The uncertainties that this pandemic has brought can be stressful, and it’s important to look after our mental health to make sure we are equipped to deal with the changes to our lives.

Raimund, a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) psychologist, offers some simple tips for how to improve your mental health and cope with increased stress during the pandemic.

So what exactly is PPE, and what do we all need to know about how it should be used, and the impact of shortages? 

The number of deaths occurring in the COVID-19 treatment centre that Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) runs in Aden, Yemen, speaks to a wider catastrophe unfolding in the city and the UN and donor states need to do more urgently to help the response.

At a time of extreme difficulty for many, our care for vulnerable people is more important than ever.