MSF-Netherlands Forced to End Programs in Russia After Deregistration Order
Moscow / Amsterdam – Médecins Sans Frontières/ (MSF) has announced the closure of its operations in Russia after being ordered to deregister by the Ministry of Justice. This decision marks the end of a 32-year presence in the country, where MSF has been providing vital medical assistance and humanitarian aid since 1992.
Yashovardhan, head of MSF programs in Russia, expressed his disappointment at the forced closure, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to close our activities in Russia. Our organization’s work is guided by principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality, and medical ethics. We provide assistance based on the needs of the communities we serve.”
Three Decades of Impactful Work in Russia
Over the past three decades, MSF has implemented numerous successful programs across various regions in Russia. From assisting the homeless to responding to emergencies and collaborating with health authorities on innovative tuberculosis treatments, MSF has left a lasting impact on the country’s healthcare landscape.
One significant aspect of MSF’s work in Russia has been its focus on the treatment of tuberculosis. Collaborating with medical communities in Russia and other Eastern European countries, MSF has introduced advanced treatment approaches for drug-resistant tuberculosis, reaching patients in both penitentiary and civil sectors.
Partnerships and Achievements in Health Care
In partnership with the Chechen Ministry of Health, MSF provided technical and advisory support for the treatment of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Chechen Republic. This collaboration involved various aspects of tuberculosis care, including diagnostics, treatment, laboratory services, health education, and psychosocial support for patients and their families.
MSF’s efforts in introducing new treatment regimens for patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis have yielded impressive results, offering hope to those who previously had limited treatment options. The organization’s commitment to improving treatment protocols and enhancing patient care has been evident in its collaborations with local health authorities in regions such as Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo.
In Arkhangelsk, MSF successfully implemented a nine-month all-oral treatment course for drug-resistant tuberculosis, enrolling 173 patients in the program. The organization later expanded its efforts to include a six-month treatment regimen recommended by the World Health Organization, further demonstrating its dedication to advancing healthcare practices in Russia.
Humanitarian Assistance and Support for Vulnerable Groups
In addition to its work in tuberculosis treatment, MSF has partnered with community-based NGOs in Moscow and St. Petersburg to provide access to general healthcare, testing, and treatment for infectious diseases, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people living with HIV and migrants. Through these partnerships, over 14,000 medical consultations were provided to individuals from these marginalized groups.
Following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, MSF extended its support to refugees and internally displaced people in the Belgorod and Rostov regions of Russia. By collaborating with local NGOs, MSF offered humanitarian aid and medical services to over 52,000 refugees and displaced individuals, with more than 15,400 receiving free medical, mental health, and psychosocial support.
As part of its ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance, MSF had plans to address the needs of internally displaced people in the Kursk region before the forced closure of its programs in Russia. Despite the challenges, MSF remains dedicated to standing in solidarity with those affected by conflicts and providing support to vulnerable populations in need of assistance.
Conclusion
The closure of MSF’s operations in Russia is a significant loss for the communities that have benefitted from the organization’s medical expertise and humanitarian aid over the past three decades. While the decision to deregister MSF’s affiliate office in Russia has brought an end to its programs in the country, the organization remains hopeful that it may resume its work in Russia in the future, should the necessary conditions permit.
As MSF bids farewell to its colleagues and partners in Russia, the legacy of its impactful programs and dedication to humanitarian values will continue to inspire future endeavors in the field of global health and humanitarian assistance.