Operational Research
The Role of Operational Research at Médecins Sans Frontières
What are the biggest gaps in access to quality health care? Do health programs meet the needs of patients? Is the aid provided by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reaching people in remote areas with limited resources?
Operational Research (OR) helps MSF critically assess its programs and operations, evaluate what’s working well in a project, and identify areas for improvement.
Our Approach
Since 2009, LuxOR has been leading and contributing to numerous studies, drawing on its expertise in Operational Research (OR) to drive innovation and expand the use of OR in the field, particularly by developing research agendas. In partnership with the OR Committee at MSF's Brussels Operational Centre and with support from the Ethics Committee, we ensure that our research is always guided by our core values.
These values shape our approach to OR and help us make a meaningful impact through ethical and rigorous research practices.
Our Research Areas
LuxOR research advisors support various MSF programs, leveraging their medical expertise to address the most pressing operational challenges.
Climate, Environment and Health
Faced with global challenges, MSF recognizes the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on vulnerable communities, which not only exacerbates existing humanitarian crises but also creates new ones. These issues require innovative and tailored responses.
While the effects of climate change on health are well-documented, MSF's role and the adaptation of its strategies to this context remain somewhat undefined. LuxOR aims to fill this gap by improving data collection and integrating climate factors into the management of health crises. As a result, LuxOR has chosen to focus its efforts on this theme in its latest training initiative.
If you’d like to learn more about how LuxOR is enhancing MSF's preparedness for climate challenges, click here!
Migration and Health
In the face of the multidimensional crisis affecting the health and well-being of migrants, MSF has long been at the forefront, providing essential medical and humanitarian aid. However, some challenges persist, and the need for evidence-based interventions is more urgent than ever.
Operational research (OR) provides crucial data on the effectiveness of interventions, the impact of policies, and best practices. It helps MSF tailor its strategies to address the needs of migrants in a more targeted way, especially in complex contexts. For example, between 2015 and 2018, OR documented the conditions of migrants in Europe, shedding light on the risks of violence at borders and the health challenges they face.
To learn more about how LuxOR is addressing the health needs of migrants in Europe through operational research, click here !
