Issue #7
We Are Back!
Hello lovely people, and a very warm welcome (or return) to our newsletter! đ
Whether youâre a returning regular or a newbie, thank you so much for subscribing to our newsletter, I hope youâve had a fabulous few weeks at freshers!
This is our second year of MSF monthly, first launched by our wonderful Nishant (current President), and weâre so excited to keep building it with you. I was recently at the Medicsâ Freshers Fair, where many of you asked me just how you can get more involved with the society â well, let me tell you this newsletter is the perfect place to start! Here you will find everything you need to know: ways to get involved, a concise round-up of global MSF news and updates on our upcoming events from socials to speakers.
Why should YOU subscribe to this newsletter? đ
We are a FREE independent and impartial news source that covers humanitarian crises happening around the world đ
Spreading awareness allows YOU to be properly equipped for conversations around global issues and when the opportunity arises, to urge politicians for change đ§ââïž
Find out ways to fundraise for MSF and about upcoming socials or inspiring guest speaker events đ
Who are your writers for 2025/26? đ
Khushi Prakash
5th Year Medical Student
Part of FriendsofMSF Committee since 2023 :)
I joined Friends of MSF because Iâve always admired the incredible work of MĂ©decins Sans FrontiĂšres, first introduced to me by a close family friend. Since starting medical school, Iâve aspired to work with MSF at some point in my career, and I canât think of a better way to begin that journey than by helping to fundraise and raise awareness for their project.
Rhyanna Williams
4th Year Law with International Legal Studies
Worked for MĂ©decins Sans FrontiĂšres UK in their F2F Team as a Fundraiser for 3 summers
I joined Friends of MSF because I want to make a real impact on the humanitarian crisis around the world. I want to be a part of the change for improving the lives of marginalised communities.
Monthly Recap
FoMSF training day - Saturday 20th September
Our committee was in full force at the FoMSF training day conference held in London at the end of September. Unfortunately I could not attend - I know, very disappointing, so I enlisted the help of our vice president Luna to let you know on what they got up to.
We recently attended the Friends of MSF Training Day Conference, a fantastic experience. A few of us from the committee travelled to London and spent the day at the MSF UK office, where we heard from a range of inspiring speakers, including a paediatric nurse, a paediatrician, and one of MSFâs international board members, who each shared their journeys into MSF and the amazing work they have carried out. The day also involved collaborative brainstorming sessions with other FoMSF societies from universities across the UK, where we exchanged ideas for fundraising events and discussed ways to work together to raise awareness and promote education about MSF. It was a very valuable and enjoyable day, which offered both insight and inspiration, and we would highly recommend the event to anyone interested in learning more about MSF!
*Reuben Rhea Wincy Lucy Nishant (from left to right in the photo)!!!!
UON Freshers Fair 22/23rd September and Medics Freshers Fair 29/30th September
Our wonderful president Nishant inspiring the new generation of FriendsofMSFers!!!!
Mooch Pub Quiz - 29th September
Our first social to meet our community for this academic year! It was a bit of a chaotic pub quiz with a lot of technological hurdles but a fun night nonetheless!
Chai and Board games night - 16th October
Well, well, well â since joining the MSF committee, our Chai and Board Games night has become a wonderful tradition to kick off the academic year. An evening of chai, games, and good company â all while raising money for the local Red Sea Club, a football team for refugees and asylum seekers â what more could you ask for?
Weâre thrilled to have raised ÂŁ64 this year! Huge thanks to everyone who came along and supported the cause.
MSF Now
News Spotlight #1 - âGaza: Doctors canât stop genocide, world leaders canâ
Why is this story important?
By September 2025, the US Federal government has cut nearly $4 billion dollars of USAID for global health programmes. This is a catastrophe for the many charities who rely on government funding to operate. đ” MSF is an entirely independent organisation who has does not take government funding.
Secretary General, Christopher Lockyear, notes that MSF are unfortunately still affected by these cuts as it is now up to MSF to fill in the massive gaps left by other charities.
This makes our work even more important, especially as it pertains to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. đ„
We currently have world leaders who do not care about the lives of Palestinians due to their hunger to protect the status quo, that expresses the lives of those who are not from the global west are expendable. This is the very POV that allows warfare in general to thrive to the extent of a multibillion dollar industry. Politicians allow these atrocities to happen in plain sight through social media/the news to consolidate their power and make their business relationships stronger. âThink Keir snuggling up to Trump for $$$ (ÂŁ150 billion to be precise)â
MSF medical staff treat wounded patients at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza - 24 October
What are MSF doing?
MSF currently have 1,118 staff on the ground in Gaza and the organisation prides itself by locally hiring around 90% of their staff, so the majority of staff would be Palestinians showing superhero-levels of bravery, courage and intelligence as they serve their homeland. Despite aid being consistently blocked getting into Gaza, MSFâs independence and over 50 years of experience allows them to be more successful in negotiating access to the extremely volatile and remote areas where some of the most vulnerable communities reside.
What YOU can do!
If you are eligible to vote click the link of this title
Tell your MP that the UK selling arms to Israel is a red line.
Read the full story đ here đ to find out more!
News Spotlight #2 - From Rubble to Relief: How MSF is helping in Afghanistan
Between the 31st August and 4th September, an earthquake and a series of aftershocks the UN has reported around half a million people are in need of dire health assistance.
MSF have logistical and medical teams working together to build tents working as makeshift clinics treating those who have been displaced and are living in nearby camps. The ambulances have the dual purpose of acting as a pharmacy whilst also referring patients to the closest hospitals of Kunae and Nangahar provinces.
Zerai Baba and Patang displacement camps are located in Nurgal district, Kunar province. In Patang camp, around 1,000 displaced families were relocated after they lost their homes during the earthquake.
What is really admirable is how MSF goes beyond medical care - in Afghanistan, they have provided clean water, installed latrines and built containers with ventilators to act as refrigerators for their medicines. Time and time again MSF overcome geographical restrictions and give people the tools to survive today and hope for tomorrow.
Read the full story đ here đ to find out more!
News Spotlight #3 - MSF on the scene of the Ebola outbreak in the DRC
A new Ebola đŠ outbreak was declared on the 4th September by DRC officials, in Bulape Health Zone, part of Mweka territory in KasaĂŻ province. Tragically, it has already resulted in 16 deaths. MSF are one of 17 agencies responding to the crisis.
MSF team in remote Bulape Health Zone
âOur teams began supporting the General Referral Hospital in Bulape almost immediately,â says Brice de le Vingne, MSF emergency coordinator.
MSF were straight on the scene, coordinating with local Congolese health facilities to ensure strong infection control protocols were put in place, and with the authorities to consolidate what areas of help were needed, including surveillance and vaccination.
The best news: patients have now been successfully discharged from MSFâs temporary treatment centre! Hooray! A vital step forward in containing the outbreak.
Read the full story đ here đ to find out more!
MSF UK Events
Medical Aid in Action: The Work of Doctors Without Borders
Date: 29th October 2025
LocationđOxo Gallery on Londonâs Southbank
Journey with us to the MSF hospital in Jordan to learn about the restorative work we do
Free admission â no booking required
Partnered with Egyptian photographer Rehab Eldalil and the international festival of photography, Cortona On The Move
đ Story of the Month Claude Ndokoâs Journey with MSF đ
When I was doing my research for the newsletter I stumbled upon Claudeâs story on the MSF website and I felt compelled to share it with you all. His journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Claude started working with MSF in 2001, as a nurse during Sierra Leoneâs civil war. To fund his training he started by selling firewood - a testament to his determination to help others.
I honestly believe any of you reading this should head over đ here đ to read the full account of Claudeâs years with MSF'.
Over the years he has shown extraordinary courage, he shares his story of working during the Lassa fever crisis. He also shares his personal highlights of his career.
His future plans are to retire at the end of this year- a well-deserved rest for a true hero! He plans to spend his time gardening - and we wish him every success and happiness in this new chapter.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Speaker Event
Dr Lucy Hart
Date â 5th November
Please head over to đ FoMSFNotts Instagram đ where you will find more details on the venue!!
Socials
Remember, âindependence, neutrality and impartialityâ
See you in the next one! đ©ș