Pre-departure Medical Examination
Hold a valid Medical Fitness Certificate, and inform SHU of any health conditions.
Regular Medications
Take enough supply for the duration of your mission and 2 months extra.
Physical Health Briefing
Follow your BriefChief plan, and attend any scheduled briefings with Staff Health Unit.
Psychological Preparedness Briefing
Follow your BriefChief plan.
Malaria Prophylaxis
See information sheets for Malarone, Doxycycline, and Mefloquine below.
Pre-departure Medical Examination
It is important to leave in good health for your MSF mission or field visit.
Do you already have a valid Medical fitness certificate ?
If you already have a valid Pre-departure medical fitness certificate (<1 year) validated by the Staff Health Unit of an MSF Operational Centre (OCA, OCP, OCB, OCBA, WACA), you do not need to undergo another Pre-departure medical examination.
Complete the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire:
- to submit your Pre-departure Medical Fitness Certificate, and
- to inform the Staff Health Unit about any health conditions before departure, and in case of change to your health status.
1. Contracted by MSF Switzerland 🇨🇭 / International Contracting Office (ICO)
- Option 1: Visit Global Health Campus, if you are located in Geneva, or passing through Geneva for your briefings. See below how to book an appointment.
- Option 2: Visit a doctor of your choice, if you are located elsewhere and/or not passing through Geneva for your briefings. See below the forms to be signed by your doctor and uploaded at the end of the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire.
For International Mobile Staff (IMS) contracted by MSF Switzerland, the cost of Pre-departure medical examination is covered by MSF Switzerland. For reimbursement, email all invoices of your consultation and vaccinations to FAR.GVA@geneva.msf.org
2. Contracted by another 🌍 Operational Centre, Contracting or Partner Section
You can either follow: the process of your respective Contracting or Partner Section or Operational Centre (check with your Career Manager/Recruiting Officer for details), or the OCG process.
Step 2: Complete the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire:
- to submit your Medical Fitness Certificate, and
- to inform the Staff Health Unit about any health conditions before departure, and in case of change to your health status.
The cost of Pre-departure medical examination is usually covered by your Contracting or Partner Section. Check the process of reimbursement with your Recruiting Officer.
3. HQ staff going for a Field Visit
- If your field visits are cumulative > 1 month across 1 year, you must complete the Pre-departure medical examination.
- There are two ways you can obtain a Pre-departure Medical Fitness Certificate (details below):
- Option 1: Visit Global Health Campus, if you are based around Geneva, or passing through Geneva for your briefings. See below how to book an appointment.
- Option 2: Visit a doctor of your choice, if you are based in Zurich or elsewhere and/or not passing through Geneva for your briefings. See below the forms to be signed by your doctor and uploaded at the end of the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire.
- Ensure your vaccinations are uptodate (see HealthyTravel.ch) and you have malaria prophylaxis if going to an endemic country.
4. E-pool/ Flying / Divers ✈️
- E-pool/Flying / Divers staff must complete the Pre-departure Medical Check Annually regardless of their age or health status.
- There are two ways you can obtain a Pre-departure Medical Fitness Certificate (details below):
- Option 1 (preferable): Visit Global Health Campus, if you are based in or passing through Geneva for your briefings.
- Option 2: Visit a doctor of your choice, if you are located elsewhere and/or not passing through Geneva for your briefings. See below the forms to be signed by your doctor and uploaded at the end of the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire.
Option 1: Visit Global Health Campus, Geneva
- Full Medical Examination + Vaccination (75 min)
- Pre-trip consultation for Vaccinations ONLY (30 min)
Appointments are only available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
ONLY MSF staff with ID / Passport and with an appointment can enter in the Building. Arrive 10-15 min earlier than your appointment.
You won't be asked to pay, the invoice will be sent directly to MSF.
Option 2: Visit a Doctor of your Choice
Step 1: Obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate
Print and take this document to your doctor with:
- Requirements for medical check
- Vaccination requirements
- Medical Fitness Certificate to be signed and stamped by your doctor.
Step 2: Fill the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire
Complete the Pre-departure Health Questionnaire to:
- upload and submit the Pre-departure Medical Fitness Certificate
- inform the Staff Health Unit about any health conditions before departure, and in case of change to your health status.
For any queries, email Medical-certificates.gva@geneva.msf.org
Before departure preparation
Medical evacuations
Mental Health & Well-being
Working with MSF is meaningful and rewarding. It is also challenging.
High workload, insecurity, isolation, and exposure to suffering are part of the reality. Psychological preparedness starts before arrival in the field.
To protect your well‑being and maintain your ability to function in a stressful environment:
- Take time to understand the context, your role, and possible stressors.
- Think about how you usually cope with pressure — and what helps when things get difficult.
- Reflect on what helps you feel good and explore ways to maintain these activities during the mission.
- Create a "Comfort Kit" with familiar items that will help maintain your well-being.
- Plan how you will stay in touch with people you trust.
Feeling stressed and apprehensive before departure is normal — it does not mean you are unprepared.
Looking after your mental health and well-being helps you stay healthy, engaged, and connected to yourself, your work and your team.
> As part of your BriefChief plan, you will meet with a Staff Health psychologist to discuss about stress management and how to take care of your mental well-being.
Having difficulties finding Vaccines?
If you are having difficulties finding vaccines:
please contact medical-certificates.gva@geneva.msf.org for support.