 Explaining the 17 goals for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Let's explain who Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, is. Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, the French abbreviation, is an international humanitarian NGO. It is best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries affected by endemic diseases. Over 30,000 personnel provide medical aid in over 70 countries. The vast majority of staff are volunteers. These include doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, logistical experts, water and sanitation engineers and administrators. Private donors provide about 90% of the organization's funding, while corporate donations provide the rest, giving MSF an annual budget of approximately US$1.63 billion. MSF was founded in 1971 by a small group of French doctors and journalists who sought to expand accessibility to medical care across national boundaries in irrespective of race, religion, creed or politics. To that end, the organization emphasizes independence and impartiality. Today MSF has ongoing missions all over the world. MSF is known for its quick response in an emergency. Their missions include humanitarian work in areas affected by a natural disaster, civil war or endemic disease. MSF works worldwide to help people who are suffering as a result of war, drought or government economic mismanagement. By ignoring political and religious boundaries they prioritize the welfare of victims. It comes as no surprise then that MSF has general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. MSF received the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its members' continued efforts to provide medical care in acute crises, as well as raising international awareness of potential humanitarian disasters.