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.

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.
Part of people who founded Medair in 1989

Partners like you making an impact

The values that shape us

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.

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.
Anne Reitsema, CEO of Medair talking

Stories from around the world

Browse the latest updates and stories about our work worldwide.

Finding Peace Within: MHPSS Assistance in Eastern Ukraine

Medair provides mental health and psychosocial support to conflict-affected communities in eastern Ukraine.

Lebanon: State of Emergency

“There were airstrikes near our home in the South, and I could no longer risk staying there with my family. I had to ensure their safety”, says Hassan.

A Cleaner Community: Méline's Hygiene Journey

Méline, a resident of Behazomanga, shares how Medair’s WSP training has transformed her daily life, improved hygiene practices and fostered a healthier community.