Overview

More fascinating and harrowing accounts of the volunteer professionals who risk their lives to help those in desperate need. Doctors Without Borders (aka Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) was founded in 1971 by rebellious French doctors. It is arguably the most respected humanitarian organisation in the world, delivering emergency aid to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and natural disasters as well as to many others who lack reliable health care. Dan Bortolotti follows the volunteers at the forefront of this organization and its work, who daily risk their lives to perform surgery, establish or rehabilitate hospitals and clinics, run nutrition and sanitation programs, and train local medical personnel. These volunteer professionals: . Perform emergency surgery in war-torn regions of Africa, Asia and elsewhere . Treat the homeless in the streets of Europe . Honor cultural customs and understand societal differences that affect health care . Witness and report the genocidal atrocities so often missed by mainstream media This new and revised third edition includes updates and new inside stories from recent relief operations, and it covers changes within the organization, such as its new emphasis on nutrition. There are also many new and revealing colour photographs and insights gained from the author's 2009 trip to Haiti, where he found three different arms of MSF operating in dire conditions. HOPE IN HELL is a widely acclaimed portrait of a renowned Nobel-winning humanitarian organization, revealing how Doctors Without Borders provides immediate and outstanding medical care. AUTHOR: Dan Bortolotti is a journalist whose work appears regularly in the North American press. He is the author of seven other books. REVIEWS: ""Direct and evocative, this well-written book pushes readers to the edge of a world of grueling realities not known by most Americans."" -- Choice ILLUSTRATIONS: More than 50 full-colour and b/w photos

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9781554076345

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Reviews

(about the first edition) All in all, I found Hope in Hell to be a nicely balanced book about this type of work/volunteerism that I've been curious about for years.--Norm Rooker Emergency Medical Services Magazine (08/01/2005) (about the first edition) Emphasizes that much of the organization's work takes place not in war zones but in remote, impoverished locales.--Caroline Preston Chronicle of Philanthropy (12/09/2004) Allows the reader a very honest look at MSF.--Alison Delory Medical Post (11/16/2004) (about the first edition) Comprehensive picture of the essence of volunteerism.--Amanda Walters The Lancet (09/04/2004) Bortolotti, a journalist and author, visited doctors, nurses, and nonmedical staff in Doctors Without Borders programs in Angola, the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Haiti, and other countries, and reveals their experiences in the program. He provides historical information on the organization and its origins in France and describes stories of its volunteers, what they do, and the patients they treat, within the context of the political and cultural climate of specific countries. This edition adds a postscript to the chapter on Haiti.-- (06/01/2011) (about the first edition) Looks at the history, politics and motivations of MSF and its volunteers... analyzes the difficulties that MSF faces.-- (10/01/2004) (about the first edition) Inspired... Much of what Bortolotti reports is noticeably absent from the daily headlines, so this eye opening account is all the more chilling, and MSF's efforts achingly more compelling.-- (09/15/2004) (about the first edition) Describes but never romanticizes... Direct and evocative, this well-written book pushers readers to the edge of a world of grueling realities not know by most Americans. Recommended.-- (07/01/2005) (about the first edition) Some physicians still do manifest the noblest virtues of medicine... a worthwhile read for prospective international aid volunteers.-- (10/30/2004) It is in the considerable space that Bortolotti gives to the emotions of the group's staff members that the book really shines... authentic and inclusive... informative and touching.-- (12/30/2004) (about the first edition) Traces the history of the world's largest independent medical humanitarian organization... grimly poignant.-- (08/09/2004)

(about the first edition) Comprehensive picture of the essence of volunteerism.--Amanda Walters The Lancet (09/04/2004)

Author Information

Dan Bortolotti is a journalist whose work appears regularly in the North American press. He is the author of seven other books.

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