In 1971, French doctors Bernard Kouchner and Max Reclamier founded the organisation Médecins sans Frontières (MSF). Their work in Nigeria was done: the Red Cross had to leave the country. The two doctors decided to stay because there were still people in need. They proved the usefulness and necessity of a party that works independently and impartially. An organisation that could provide quick and proper help in natural disasters, famine, epidemics, war and deportation. Twenty countries joined. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) became a model in the field of first aid for people in need. Its staff are deployed and appreciated all over the world. From doctors and nurses to administrative and logistics volunteers. In eighty countries, direct aid was and is given on the basis of neutrality. A branch of MSF has also existed in the Netherlands since 1984.

In 1999, the organisation received the Nobel Peace Prize.