FAQ

Epicentre is an association that predominantly supports the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) movement by providing epidemiological expertise through program evaluation, research, and training.

Epicentre conducts field epidemiology activities, research projects and trainings 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 of MSF members. Epicentre receives the majority of its funding from MSF. Epicentre has the autonomy to raise funds from other sources.

Epicentre was created in 1986 by MSF France to respond to the growing need for epidemiological expertise in its operations.

Epicentre currently has no mechanism in place to receive individual donations.

However, individuals can contribute to MSF: 

• Donateur (MSF.FR)
• Donate (MSF.ORG)

• Epicentre undertakes 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.

• Epicentre works where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or are otherwise excluded from health care.
• Many projects are focused on sub-Saharan Africa, but in recent years Epicentre has also worked in various other places, such as Haiti, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Lebanon and Yemen.

• 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 organizations.