Doctor Javid Abdelmoneim

Javid Abdelmoneim became involved with MSF in his second year of university. Here we look at his MSF career so far.

Working with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders (MSF) had long been a dream for Javid Abdelmoneim.

Born and raised in the UK to Sudanese Iranian parents, Javid became involved with MSF in his second year of university as a medical student, working with the Access Campaign to promote the accessibility of medicines for neglected diseases.

He has since worked with MSF on a number of missions, and in a number of different capacities. 

Iraq, Haiti and South Sudan

In 2009, he set off on his first mission to Basra, Iraq, where he worked as an emergency room doctor at Jumhuree Hospital.

The focus of this mission was to provide advanced life support, trauma life support and resuscitation training. 

The following year, Javid travelled to Haiti after the devastating earthquake.

He spent six months working as an emergency room doctor, treating trauma patients and running internal medicine and intensive care.

^{Javid Abdelmoneim}

In May 2014, Javid joined MSF's team of flying doctors, nurses, and logisticians in South Sudan.

Travelling by helicopter or plane, depending on the weather, Javid and his colleagues would arrive at a remote destination around noon and open at 8 am the next day. 

In the space of an afternoon they had to hire and train local staff, building the clinic and place to sleep.

Ebola in Sierra Leone

In June 2014, Javid set off with MSF to Kailahun, Sierra Leone, where he worked in high risk environments treating Ebola patients.

^{Javid Abdelmoneim}

Reflections

Search and Rescue

In the summer of 2016, Javid embarked on his most recent mission with MSF aboard the Aquarius, a search and rescue ship run in partnership with SOS Mediteranée.

During his time on board, Javid tended to those we rescued at sea, providing check-ups and patching minor wounds. He would then refer serious cases for emergency evacuations. 

"It's easy to get caught up in our own lives," says Javid. "We often don't realise how privileged and how lucky we are.

"Working with MSF has given me that perspective and encourages me to continue giving back.

"I think that everyone should find their own way to give back, no matter how you choose to do that, because it will make your own life much happier."