Bernard says: "With the cold this winter, I found that the refugees situation in Calais was even worse than in Kosovo. Pregnant women did not want to go to the hospital for fear that they would be stopped by the police on the way there."

"It is disturbing to find increasing inequality. In spite of our progress over the years Doctors of the World finds a reason to continue advocating for change in order to help those who are most vulnerable in society." he concludes

As part of the celebrations this month a campaign is being launched in France targetting 25-30 year olds. Its aim is to make people aware of what the organisation does day in day out, so they can find out how to support it and learn about how it makes a difference.

The celebrations focus on the present and the future rather than the past by concentrating on the challenges rather than showcasing the "successes". Doctors of the World France wants to bring the supporters together so they can join forces to say:"We are all Doctors of the World".

A few projects will be launched to highlight the anniversary:

A public awareness campaign
This campaign was created by the agency Saatchi & Saatchi and is targeted at a 25-30yr old audience and introduces them to 4 issues. Using a provocative tone they will use images to make people think about AIDS prevention, gender-based violence, support for migrants and emergency aid.

Doctors of the World web films with the theme of "I´m 30 years old, Doctors of the World is 30 years old" 5 representatives from the organisation in 5 key countries. They are 30 years old; they make up Doctors of the World today and speak about their experiences.

A book by the author Michel Brugière (the ex General Director of Doctors of the World France) entitled ‘Refuser le malheur des homes' - Refusing man's misfortune' is being launched.

The 30th anniversary is being celebrated not just in France.  Watch this space for the celebrations taking place in the UK this autumn.

Photo: © MDM/ AFP