On October 3, 2015, a U.S. Air Force strike in northern Afghanistan led to the death of 42 people. Tragically, the attack was on a hospital for Doctors Without Borders. While the international community can debate whether or not the U.S. should have known about the location of the hospital, it is important for more people to be aware of the purpose of this agency.

Médecins San Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, has over 30,000 staff members on the field each day. The non-governmental organization has grown out of a world in which stability is only a dream for far too many people. Moreover, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is the salvation for a multitude of individuals in unstable regions. The group, unaffiliated with any political or economic contributor, aids civilians who are distraught by any conflict, from civil wars to natural disasters. Founded in France, the group has spread internationally and now operates in over 60 countries. Without such organizations functioning today, one wonders what state the world might be in.

This group is especially important in an age where specific groups of people face instability and hardship on a day-to-day basis. Operations of the MSF are not limited to the medical field. Of the countless members who work in the developing countries, many are logisticians and sanitation planners – two roles that are essential in building a steady community. While some may assume that as doctors, these individuals are receiving a substantial salary, but this is simply not true. They work for the satisfaction of aiding those in need. These individuals are role models for all types of charitable work.

When nations make remarks about the destruction of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases that decimate the developing world, it is the MSF that works to eradicate them. The MSF has treated two million people for malaria in 2014 alone. In addition, 230,000 people were treated for HIV in 2014. In war zones, such as Syria, major powers relentlessly bomb dispersed targets with little regard for the civilian sacrifices. Again, the MSF has taken the initiative and provided medical care to those who were injured in the bombings and other war related injuries.

The MSF has acted swiftly and effectively, subsequently saving many millions of lives as a result. However, this organization, as previously mentioned, is not funded by any specific governments or international organizations. As a result, the ability to become involved in national crises has been slightly hindered due to lack of funding. That is why, in my opinion, more nations plagued with crises should embrace the MSF due to its ability to provide outstanding humanitarian aid.

This non-governmental organization is arguably the most effective aid program to unstable regions throughout the world. Yet, the international community has done little to form a coalition or infuse foreign policies with the goals of this organization, which are pure and the epitome of human values. So, rather than accidentally bombing MSF hospitals, perhaps the international community could be more sympathetic in regards to war, disease, and natural disasters. This would undoubtedly save even more lives.