We help people in crisis live with hope and dignity

We go the extra mile to reach people impacted by emergencies and crises – regardless of race, creed or nationality – live in dignity, free from human suffering and with hope for a better future.
Our story

Medair was founded in 1989

In 1988, a small group of Christian volunteers travelled to Uganda to provide relief to displaced people who were returning to devastated communities. Within a year, Medair was officially registered as a non-governmental organisation in Switzerland.



Since then, Medair has provided emergency relief to over more than 53 million people in 43 crisis-affected countries. Yet, what drove us more than 35 years ago still drives us today – a belief that each life matters, and where you live should not decide whether you live.
Read our latest annual report
Part of people who founded Medair in 1989

Partners like you making an impact

How we work

The values that shape us

Our accountability

Integrity

We strive to live out our values and principles consistently at every level of the organisation and in every location.

Hope

We take action with a hope-filled attitude and bring vitally needed assistance that can revive people’s hope after a crisis.

Compassion

We connect with people in crisis and listen to their needs with compassion, offering loving support to help them survive the crisis and get back on their feet.

Joy

We choose to nurture the life-giving joy that comes from our Creator, which gives us strength to face challenges and be with people who are suffering. We seek to be thankful, to be at peace with one another, to share our burdens, to encourage each other and to celebrate together.

Accountability

We make ourselves accountable to our supporters, our staff, and the people we serve - and seek input from them to help us improve our activities and procedures.

Dignity

Each person is made in God’s image and is uniquely valuable and worthy of the highest respect and dignity. We reach out to all those in need, irrespective of their race, gender, religion, age or nationality.

Faith

We are motivated to care for those who suffer because we follow Jesus Christ, who taught that our highest goal is to love God and to care for those in need. Our faith inspires us to give our best in all circumstances. By faith we pray for wisdom when facing difficult decisions and for courage to live and work in demanding situations.

Our people

Get to know our leadership

Meet the dedicated people who lead Medair’s mission. With wide-ranging expertise and backgrounds, our leaders bring together diverse perspectives and decades of humanitarian experience.
Meet our leadership
Anne Reitsema, CEO of Medair talking
How you can help

Be part of restoring hope in people’s lives.

Go deeper

Stories from around the world

Browse the latest updates and stories about our work worldwide.
Stories
July 4, 2024
Somalia

Restoring Health and Hope in Somalia

Medair provides free health services and Child-Friendly Spaces in Somalia, restoring hope and health to vulnerable communities.
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Stories
July 4, 2024
Sudan

Essential services in an overlooked tragedy

Bringing Hope and Aid to Sudan's Forgotten Communities
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Stories
April 26, 2024

5 Must-See Movies to Expand Your Worldview

There is nothing more relaxing than settling in at the end of a day to watch a good movie. No doubt movies are a source of entertainment, but they can also educate us, deepen our empathy for others, and expand our understanding of the world around us.
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