On Humanitarian Day, we take a moment to recognise the dedication, resilience and compassion of the people who make MSF’s work possible. Behind every project, response and medical activity are individuals with different backgrounds, skills and stories — united by a shared commitment to providing care where it is needed most.
This year, we are highlighting colleagues across MSF by sharing short career snapshots of their journeys: how they came to work with MSF, what humanitarian action means to them, and what continues to motivate them in challenging contexts.
Kruthika Benjamin
- Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
- From India
- I’ve worked in Tanzania, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria over the past 3 years.
“I became a humanitarian because I wanted to practice ethical and compassionate medicine, and help those who struggle with basic rights to life, to have an opportunity to have near equal right to Healthcare.”
Alan de Lima Pereira
- Medical Doctor
- From India
- Worked in: India, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Syria, Yemen, Nigeria. Central African Republic, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Netherlands, Palestine
- 15 years years with MSF
“I became a humanitarian for other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine”
Ahmad Waheed Ahmad
Pediatrician
From Afghanistan
Worked in: Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Sudan,
5 years with MSF
“I believe that saving one life is like saving all of humanity. That belief inspired me to join MSF and serve people in need.”
Susma Thapa
Medical Team Leader
From Nepal
Worked in: Bangladesh, South Sudan, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Lebanon and Palestine/Gaza
6 years years with MSF
“I chose to become a humanitarian because I wanted to use my professional skills where they are most needed. Over the years, MSF has taken me to very different contexts, from war, conflict and displacement to outbreaks and other emergencies. What continues to motivate me is the opportunity to work alongside communities and teams in difficult circumstances, and to contribute to making healthcare more accessible, safer and more dignified for people when they need it most.”
Fazle Elahi
- Mental Health Activity Manager
- From Bangladesh
- Has worked in: Bangladesh, Yemen, Liberia, Palestine, Syria
- 8 years with MSF
“Behind every consultation is a person with a story, a family and hopes for the future. Mental health support is not only about addressing distress, it is about restoring dignity, resilience and the ability to move forward.”
Mary Monisha Lourtha
- Mental Health Activity Manager
- From: Sri Lanka
- Has worked in South Sudan
- 1 year with MSF
“To be a listening ear in the loudest noise, a presence in the hardest moments, and help people find hope when the way forward feels uncertain.”
Thankam Subramonian
- Obstetrician & Gynecologist
- From India
- Has worked in: Yemen, Afghanistan
- 3 years with MSF
” I chose to become a humanitarian because it has been my dream, since a very young age, to work with organizations like MSF which serves the people of the world in difficult conditions. And becoming a doctor placed me in a very suitable position to do so. Because l feel strongly about humanitarian service, l donated my kidney altruistically to an unknown person, 6 months ago, after a long period of struggle of 10 years.”
Imtiaz Wadud
- Operations Deputy Head of Mission
- From Bangladesh
- Has worked in Nigeria, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Thailand, India, Bangladesh
- 18 Years with MSF
“I can stand beside people in their worst moments and help restore a bit of dignity and hope”
Marjik Hovhannisyan
- Medical Doctor
- From: Armenia
- Has worked in Syria
- 9 years with MSF
“I chose to become a humanitarian because I wanted to use my medical skills where they could have the greatest impact. Throughout my career, I have worked with people affected by conflict, outbreaks, and limited access to healthcare. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. Despite the challenges, seeing the positive impact on patients, supporting local health teams, and contributing to stronger health systems continues to motivate me every day.”
Kirupakaran Suresh
- Logistics Coordinator (Emergency and Regular Programs)
- From Sri Lanka
- Has worked in Sri Lanka, Malawi, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Bangladesh.
- 27 years with MSF
“I chose humanitarian path because I want my skills and efforts to create lasting, positive change for people and communities are in need.”
Karan Kamble
- Medical Doctor
- Country of origin: India
- Has worked in India, Ukraine, South Sudan, Greece, Kenya, Armenia, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines
- 11 years with MSF
“I chose humanitarian medicine because success is not measured only by the lives we save, but by the people we refuse to abandon.”
Dr Roshni Changalath
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist
- India
- Malawi and Afghanistan
- 7 months
“I chose humanitarian work because I believe that every woman deserves to be cared for with dignity, regardless of where she was born or the circumstances she finds herself in.”
