Doctors Without Borders Humanitarian Grants for Emergency Health Infrastructure — A Practical Guide for Africa (Nigeria) & Asia

Introduction

When floods swallow clinics, epidemics spike, or conflict forces families into makeshift camps, medical supplies and doctors are essential — but they are not enough. Emergency health responses live or die on infrastructure: clinics that can isolate contagious patients, cold chains that keep vaccines effective, safe water points, functioning operating theatres, and basic WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) systems.

For communities in Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, the Philippines and many parts of Asia and Africa, the difference between a rapid, organized response and chaotic suffering is infrastructure delivered quickly and managed well. Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is one of the global organizations that consistently leads in quickly establishing such infrastructure during emergencies — whether by deploying mobile clinics, erecting cholera treatment centres, running cold-storage networks for vaccines, or supporting the logistics that keep supplies moving.

This article is written for local NGOs, hospital administrators, health ministry staff, university research teams and community leaders in Africa and Asia who want a clear, honest, step-by-step explanation of:

what MSF does (and doesn’t do) in terms of grants and infrastructure,
real examples where MSF’s emergency infrastructure saved lives,
how local actors can partner with or seek support from MSF,
realistic alternatives and complementary funders, and
practical application language (a simple Statement of Purpose / project pitch) you can adapt.

I researched MSF operational materials and independent field reports to ensure the guidance is accurate and current. For an overview of MSF’s emergency activities, see MSF’s Emergency Response page.

The big reality: does MSF give grants for emergency infrastructure?

Short answer: MSF is primarily an implementing organisation, not a grant-maker in the way many foundations or UN pooled funds are. MSF’s core model is to deploy its own teams (medical, logistics, water and sanitation, pharmacy, and administration) to build and operate emergency health infrastructure directly where the needs are greatest. That means MSF usually builds, staffs and runs the infrastructure rather than simply writing a grant check to a third party to do it.

That said, MSF does collaborate and sometimes fund or support local partners in specific contexts — especially when local capacity can be rapidly scaled and when such collaboration increases the speed and coverage of the response. MSF’s primary strengths are speed, medical expertise, and logistical capacity; these make it a natural first responder in epidemics, conflict zones and mass-displacement crises. For descriptions of MSF’s emergency-focused work (mobile clinics, cholera centres, field hospitals), consult their operational overview.

Why this matters: if you are a hospital director, NGO leader, or an official seeking help, this distinction shapes your approach. Rather than applying for a standard grant, your first and most effective route is usually to request operational partnership or technical support, or to seek MSF’s intervention in the field when speed is critical.

Why emergency infrastructure matters — quick facts

Rapidly deployed infrastructure saves lives. In cholera outbreaks, establishing a cholera treatment centre (CTC) within days reduces mortality from 20% or higher to under 1–2% for those who access care. MSF’s experience with cholera across multiple countries demonstrates this effect.
Vaccine cold chains are lifesaving. Without functioning cold storage and transport, vaccines lose potency; building reliable cold logistics in emergency contexts enables mass immunization campaigns.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are foundational. Many epidemic spikes are waterborne; WASH interventions are among the most cost-effective infrastructure investments during and after disasters.
Local capacity multiplies impact. MSF often trains local clinicians and logisticians while delivering services — leaving behind a stronger local system.

For a concrete, recent example of how quickly these interventions matter, look at the response to the cholera outbreak in Borno State, Nigeria: authorities and humanitarian actors, including medical teams, established CTCs and response protocols that were central to controlling the outbreak.

How MSF typically supports emergency health infrastructure (what they do)

MSF’s response model uses internal funding (donations) and operational units to provide infrastructure and services. Here’s what they commonly deliver in emergencies:

Mobile clinics and tents — rapidly deployable clinical units for triage, primary care, and minor surgeries.
Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs) — separated wards for case management plus ORS (oral rehydration solution) points.
Field hospitals / upgraded health posts — prefabricated or tent-based facilities with basic surgical capacity.
WASH systems — boreholes, water trucking, latrines, handwashing stations and waste management.
Cold chain & logistics hubs — cold rooms, generators, transport for vaccines and essential medicines.
Supply chain management — procurement, warehousing and distribution networks to keep medicines and supplies moving.
Training & mentoring — rapid upskilling of local nurses, CHWs (community health workers) and ambulance teams.
Surveillance & outbreak control — data systems, contact tracing, and lab sample transport.

These capabilities are not static — MSF adapts the mix depending on the crisis: epidemic, flood, earthquake, refugee influx, or armed conflict. The organization’s emergency response materials describe these operations in detail and give examples from recent crises.

Where MSF can and can’t help you (clear boundaries)

MSF can:

Deploy teams to set up emergency clinics, CTCs, or field hospitals in active crises.
Provide technical assistance (training, protocols, supply chain advice).
Temporarily staff clinics and run surgical or maternal care interventions when local capacity is overwhelmed.
Share epidemiological data and outbreak guidance in collaboration with health authorities.

MSF usually cannot (or may not):

Act as a long-term funder for non-emergency infrastructure projects (e.g., multi-year hospital construction without an immediate emergency).
Provide unrestricted grants for general development activities unrelated to an acute humanitarian need.
Replace systemic healthcare investments that require government-level policy reform — although MSF can pilot models and demonstrate approaches.

Practical takeaway: If you need immediate, lifesaving infrastructure because of an acute emergency (epidemic, mass displacement, conflict), requesting MSF’s operational support is appropriate. If you’re seeking long-term hospital financing or system reform grants, MSF is less likely to be your funder — explore other donors (World Bank, Global Fund, USAID, EU ECHO) for development-scale projects.

Comparison: MSF support vs other humanitarian funders (quick table)

Feature / Funder	MSF (Doctors Without Borders)	UN Funds (CERF / UNICEF)	Bilateral / Development (World Bank, DFID)
Primary role	Emergency medical implementer	Multi-sector funder & coordination	Development & large-scale investments
Speed	Very fast (days)	Fast to moderate	Moderate to slow (planning cycles)
Focus	Medical & WASH infrastructure, direct care	Multi-sector (food, shelter, health) & coordination	Long-term infrastructure & system strengthening
Funding model	Donor-funded operations (direct implementation)	Grant disbursements to implementing partners	Loans / grants for development projects
Local partnerships	Operational partnerships and sometimes funding to local actors when strategic	Funds local NGOs & government programs	Grants/loans typically via government or large NGOs
Best use case	Rapid cholera response, mobile field hospitals, epidemic control	Coordinated relief across sectors (food, shelter, health)	Rebuilding hospitals, long-term health system financing

This comparison clarifies that MSF is the fastest, most medicine-focused actor when lives are at immediate risk; other funders might be better for longer-term construction or system reform.

Real-world case studies — Africa & Asia

1. Nigeria — cholera response (Borno & other states)

MSF teams have repeatedly set up cholera treatment centres and community oral rehydration points during outbreaks in northeastern Nigeria and other states. Rapid CTC deployment, combined with community vaccination campaigns and WASH interventions, helped curb mortality rates during multiple outbreaks. For reporting on these efforts, see field summaries and outbreak updates.

2. Rohingya refugee emergency — Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

After the 2017 crisis, MSF scaled up primary health clinics, surgical facilities, maternal care units and water/sanitation interventions inside the refugee camps. These quickly established infrastructure that served hundreds of thousands of people for months and years thereafter, reducing mortality and improving maternal and child health outcomes. (MSF’s Rohingya operational pages and ReliefWeb reports document these deployments.)

3. Pakistan floods (2022) — mobile medical teams & WASH

Following catastrophic floods, MSF deployed mobile health teams, temporary clinics and sterilisation equipment to flood-affected districts — focusing on preventing waterborne disease outbreaks and providing basic surgical care. ReliefWeb situational reports trace these interventions.

Each of these examples shows MSF’s hallmark approach: rapid, medically led infrastructure deployment paired with local staff training and community engagement.

Step-by-step guide: How your organisation can request MSF support or partner in an emergency

If you represent a hospital, NGO, or local authority in a crisis area and need emergency health infrastructure, follow these steps:

Step 1 — Rapid needs assessment (0–48 hours)

Document the emergency (what happened, how many affected, immediate threats).
Collect basic metrics: number of patients per day, deaths, WASH failures, displaced population counts, supply shortages, damaged facilities (photos are invaluable).
Identify vulnerable groups (children under five, pregnant women, elderly).

Why: MSF responds to clear, evidence-based needs. A concise situational snapshot helps prioritise action.

Step 2 — Contact MSF promptly (24–72 hours)

Find the nearest MSF country or regional office (MSF maintains country pages and contact points). Use MSF’s country pages or the main site to find the appropriate office. When you contact them, include your assessment and request for emergency medical/technical support.

Step 3 — Offer credible local partnership (48–96 hours)

Indicate what local capacity you have (staff, a site for a clinic, legal permissions). MSF prefers to deploy rapidly; if you can offer premises or security arrangements, that accelerates support.
Share what you can do (community engagement, security liaison, transport).

Step 4 — Prepare a concise proposal / expression of interest (if requested)

If MSF asks, present a one- to three-page proposal: problem statement, target population, specific infrastructure requested (CTC, mobile clinic, water system), timeframe, local capacities, and a brief budget estimate. MSF’s operational teams will validate and, if appropriate, lead full planning.

Step 5 — Validation visit & coordination (days)

MSF may send a rapid assessment team. Coordinate with them and relevant health authorities to avoid duplication and ensure security.
Expect MSF to discuss logistics, timelines, and accountability.

Step 6 — Implementation & capacity-building (days–weeks)

If deployed, MSF will build, staff and run the infrastructure. Local staff are often trained and integrated into operations to ensure sustainability where feasible.

Step 7 — Exit & handover (weeks–months)

Depending on the crisis, MSF may hand over facilities to local health authorities or partners, with training and equipment left in place.

Important note: MSF is independent and chooses where and how to operate based on medical need and access. Even with a rigorous request, MSF may not be able to respond immediately if access, security or funding constraints exist.

How to write a short, compelling Statement of Purpose / Project Pitch for MSF or emergency partners

If you are asked by MSF (or if you approach donors and partners), use this simple structure — clear, evidence-based, and impact-oriented.

1. Opening (1–2 sentences): State who you are and the urgent issue.
Example: “We are [NGO name], a community health NGO working in Zamfara State. Following floods on [date], we have 15,000 displaced people with suspected cholera cases and no functional treatment centre.”

2. The need (2–3 short paragraphs): Give concrete numbers, trends, and immediate risks. Attach photos and line lists if possible.
3. The requested infrastructure & activities (bulleted): e.g., set up 30-bed CTC with triage tent; 3 water points; 2 mobile clinics; cold storage for vaccines.
4. Local capacity & sustainability (1 paragraph): List staff, local supervisors, security arrangements and plans for training.
5. Timeline & budget estimate (short): Days to deploy, short budget ranges; indicate any in-kind contributions.
6. Accountability & reporting (1 paragraph): Explain how you will report, monitor, and track outcomes (patient counts, mortality rates).

Keep the document short (1–3 pages). MSF teams value clarity and verifiable data.

Common mistakes to avoid when seeking MSF support or other emergency assistance

Vague descriptions: “We need help” is not enough. Provide numbers, photos, and concrete problems.
No local buy-in: MSF is more likely to work with organisations that have local legitimacy and can guarantee security and access.
Assuming MSF funds all long-term costs: MSF’s emergency support is often time-limited; have a transition plan.
Underestimating logistics: Medical infrastructure needs power, water, waste management — specify logistics capacity.
Ignoring accountability systems: MSF requires documentation and monitoring; be prepared to report.

Alternatives & complementary funders for emergency health infrastructure

If MSF cannot deploy or if you need funding rather than operational deployment, other mechanisms may help:

UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) — fast funding for UN agencies and partners in acute crises.
UNICEF / WHO — for vaccine campaigns, WASH and coordination on public health emergencies.
European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) — supports large-scale humanitarian operations.
Global Fund / Gavi — for vaccine-related infrastructure and supply chains in certain contexts.
Bilateral donors (DFID/UK, USAID, JICA, SIDA) — often fund larger-scale or medium-term emergency infrastructure projects.
Private foundations & philanthropies (e.g., Wellcome Trust, Gates Foundation) — for strategic or innovation grants (may require a longer application process).

Tip: If you need money to build infrastructure and MSF cannot intervene directly, pair a request for operational technical support (MSF) with a funding proposal to another donor. This hybrid approach — MSF provides operational design and training while another donor pays capital costs — can be effective.

Costs and quick budget sense — what does emergency infrastructure typically cost?

Costs vary widely by context, but here are very rough ranges to help you plan (USD):

Small mobile clinic kit (tents, basic equipment): $15,000 – $50,000
Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) setup (beds, tents, WASH): $30,000 – $150,000 (depending on scale)
Cold chain unit (generator + cold room for vaccines): $20,000 – $120,000
Water & sanitation package for a camp (per 10,000 people): $50,000 – $300,000
Field hospital (temporary, includes staff): $200,000 – $1,000,000+

These are indicative; MSF’s procurement and logistics systems often leverage global purchasing power to reduce costs and speed delivery.

Monitoring & measuring success — key indicators

When planning or proposing emergency infrastructure, include measurable indicators:

Time to deploy (days from request to fully operational)
Patient throughput (patients seen per day; admissions per week)
Case fatality rate (for cholera or severe illnesses)
Number of vaccinated individuals (if immunization campaign)
Water availability per person per day (litres)
Number of local staff trained (and competence metrics)

These help both MSF and donors track impact and justify ongoing support.

Real-world outcomes — what success looks like

Ebola/Care centres: Rapid establishment of isolation and care units reduces transmission chains and mortality.
Cholera interventions: A functioning CTC plus community ORS points reduces mortality from 10–20% to under 1–2%.
Mass vaccination with cold chain: Successful coverage with cold-chain logistics prevents large-scale outbreaks (polio, measles, cholera vaccine campaigns).
Post-disaster continuity of care: Restoring surgical capacity after floods or earthquakes reduces preventable deaths from trauma and infection.

Statement of Purpose — a short template for grant or partnership requests

Use this for MSF operational contact or donor funding requests (one page):

Title & Organisation: [Name of project], [Your organisation], contact info.
Problem statement (50–75 words): Concise summary of the emergency.
Proposal (100–150 words): What infrastructure you want, scale, and immediate outputs.
Impact & beneficiaries (50–75 words): Who benefits, expected outcomes.
Capacity & accountability (50 words): Staff, logistics, reporting.
Estimated budget & timeline (bullet): Quick cost estimate and deployment timeline.

Attach supporting data (patient lists, photos).

FAQs — concise, practical answers

Q: Does MSF provide grants to hospitals or NGOs to build infrastructure?
A: Not generally. MSF primarily implements emergency infrastructure through its own teams, but it can and does collaborate with local partners and may provide targeted support in partnership — especially when such cooperation speeds response.

Q: Who should I contact if my town needs a mobile clinic now?
A: Contact the nearest MSF country or regional office and provide a concise emergency assessment (numbers, photos, security situation). MSF country pages list contact information for many operational bases. Doctors Without Borders

Q: Can MSF help with vaccine cold chains?
A: Yes — MSF builds cold chain capacity as part of emergency immunization campaigns and outbreak responses when needed. Their operational pages and cholera/vaccine response briefs provide examples. Doctors Without Borders+1

Q: What if MSF cannot respond — who funds infrastructure?
A: Explore CERF, UNICEF, WHO, EU ECHO, bilateral donors, and private foundations. Many donors fund rapid response via UN agencies and large INGOs.

Ethical & security considerations when requesting emergency aid

Do no harm: Ensure interventions do not increase local tensions or create security risks.
Neutrality & independence: MSF operates under strict neutrality; your partnership should respect that.
Protection of beneficiaries: Avoid sharing identifiable patient information publicly; use aggregated data for advocacy.
Security protocols: If conflict is involved, coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian coordination clusters for safety.

Final checklist — what to have ready when you call MSF or other responders

One-page situation report (who, what, where, when)
Photos & geolocation of affected areas
Patient numbers and basic morbidity/mortality data
Shortlist of local staff and contacts (with mobile numbers)
A clear ask (e.g., “We need a 30-bed cholera treatment centre operational in 5 days”)
Evidence of legal or local permission to host teams (if available)

Being organised saves time and may be decisive in securing rapid support.

Conclusion — why it matters and what to do next

Emergency health infrastructure is the backbone of any life-saving medical response. MSF’s record shows that rapid, medically led infrastructure interventions reduce deaths, stop outbreaks and stabilize communities. However, MSF is not a general grant-maker — they are an active, operational first responder. For communities and organisations in Nigeria and across Asia seeking help, the most effective approach is to document need quickly, contact local MSF offices, and propose clear partnerships — while simultaneously exploring funding from UN, bilateral, and philanthropic sources for capital or longer-term needs.

If you represent a local NGO, hospital, university or health authority and want help drafting a short emergency pitch or the one-page situation report I described above, paste a brief summary of your situation (2–3 lines) and I’ll draft the pitch you can send to MSF or other donors.

“When systems break, speed and structure save lives. Aid is not just about medicine; it’s about the tents, pumps, cold rooms and logistics that make medicine possible.”