FAQ
Epicentre is an association that predominantly supports the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) movement by providing epidemiological expertise through programme evaluation, research, and training.
Epicentre conducts field epidemiology activities, research projects and training in support of MSF’s goal of providing medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or otherwise have poor or non-existent access to health care.
The mission statement and our activities are available here.
Epicentre adheres to the MSF charter. It is an association with a board that consists of a majority MSF members. Epicentre receives around 80% of its funding from MSF. Epicentre has the autonomy to raise funding from other sources.
Epicentre was founded in 1986 by MSF France to respond to the growing need for epidemiological expertise in its operations.
Epicentre performs epidemiological research to improve health outcomes in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or are otherwise excluded from health care.
Specifically, Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, observational and interventional studies, but also interventional trials, qualitative research and training.
More information on Epicentre's working methods can be found here.
Epicentre works where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or are otherwise excluded from health care.
Many projects are focussed on sub-Saharan Africa, but in recent years Epicentre has also worked in many other places, such as Haiti, Bangladesh, the Philipines, Lebanon, Yemen, Greece and France.
The training provided by Epicentre is principally aimed at MSF staff to help them understand the importance and use of epidemiology in field missions.
However, sometimes the courses are also provided for national health officials or staff from other relevant organisations.