Saving lives in war zones or extreme poverty or disaster-stricken countries is sometimes not so complicated: The provision of clean water, vaccinations and food could prevent substantial casualties.

Still, five children die every day in South Sudan and one in two children less than two years old are severely malnourished in these areas. Malaria is rampant in most of such states, despite its preventability with a few pills, while mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus still takes place since few mothers are aware of their infection.

“What we are seeking is simple. Regardless of the political ideas, religion, race or any others, all people should be guaranteed to live with dignity and health. They must at least be granted with basic supplies,” said Unni Karunakara, international president of Medicins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors without Borders, at a press conference held Tuesday in Seoul.

The group with more than 30,000 members stationed in 65 countries including Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria has reportedly managed to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of lives.

The group has been providing clean water, food, necessary vaccines and medicine to people in need, as well as conducting health checkups and even surgical operations. Karunakara himself met with the president of Central African Republic and asked for state support in tackling widespread malaria.

“There are still so many things to be done but very few organizations have the capacity to countermeasure urgencies. We need more support from the rest of the world.

“Koreans have been known for being supportive about humanitarian actions for people in other parts of the world. We hope they would support and join our activities,” he said.

The group is planning to hold fundraising campaigns in the near future. Those willing to support MSF can visit www.msf.or.kr and pledge donation.

During his visit, Karunakara visited Yonsei University to introduce the group’s vision to medical students. A total of 21 Korean members have worked out in the field for MSF.

“I was very impressed. The session was fully booked days before the event and they threw lots of interesting questions. They seemed to be genuinely willing to support us and perhaps, join us in the near future,” he said.

The press conference was held a couple of hours before Typhoon Bolaven hit central Seoul. The gust of wind and pounding rain left streets empty and heightened people’s anxiety.

“That’s exactly what we are used to on field!” said Emmanuel Goue, head of MSF Korea, with smile on his face.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)