In the world’s largest refugee camp, where hygiene conditions are extremely precarious, Médecins du Monde teams have adapted their program to respond to the spread of the new coronavirus, while maintaining regular healthcare activities.
Covid-19 crisis
© Gregorio Marañon / MdM Espagne
Caring for the most vulnerable
In response to the coronavirus epidemic, Médecins du Monde is organizing itself and taking all necessary measures to protect its beneficiaries and staff. Whether people are exiled, excluded, homeless, or poorly housed, their health is our top priority.
OUR ACTION
Promoting vaccination for all
Faced with the situation in which the pandemic has plunged the entire world, Médecins du Monde advocates daily for fair access to healthcare and treatment technologies for Covid-19. This involves fighting for the lifting of patents, which would increase global production capacity and the availability of vaccines and products against Covid-19.
For every vaccine administered in a low-income country, 117 are administered in high-income countries. Facilities that could manufacture Covid-19 vaccines are currently not authorized to do so. Most low-income countries are therefore dependent on imports and vaccine donations from high-income countries. They face limited and delayed access to Covid-19 vaccines.
In April 2021, Médecins du Monde supported and called for support for the waiver of the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) agreement requested by India and South Africa so that new medical solutions for Covid-19 could benefit from a waiver of certain international trade rules.
In Cameroon
Médecins du Monde is participating in the National Covid-19 Prevention and Response Plan in the North-West region of Cameroon, while ensuring the continuation of its regular programs, providing essential assistance to the most vulnerable groups.
In Greece
The novel coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating an already tense situation in Greece. At the request of the authorities, Médecins du Monde has mobilized to strengthen the capacity of the healthcare system. While continuing to provide access to care for the most vulnerable, our teams on the ground are carrying out prevention work and distributing hygiene kits.
In Palestine
In collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the SAWA organization, Médecins du Monde is participating in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in Palestine, providing support in particular in the areas of protection and mental health.
In Switzerland
In the canton of Neuchâtel, among the many restrictions imposed to curb the pandemic was the closure of erotic salons.
Sex workers, who are often isolated and stigmatized, suddenly found themselves in a very precarious situation, without resources, usually far from their home countries and families. During the semi-lockdown, most of them could no longer afford to meet their basic needs: food, basic sanitary products, housing, access to healthcare, etc. To respond to this health and humanitarian emergency, Médecins du Monde—with the support of Swiss Solidarity—adapted by expanding its range of services and increasing the presence of its social workers in the field.
