Describing, measuring, quantifying and comparing situations was Epicentre's primary mission at its inception in 1986. Today Epicentre conducts field epidemiology activities, research projects and training sessions in support of Médecins Sans Frontières' (MSF) goal of providing medical assistance in areas where people are suffering from conflict, epidemics, disasters or where access to care is inadequate or non-existent. 
    
Field epidemiology, research and training in support of Médecins Sans Frontières

Epicentre's strength lies in its ability to rapidly apply epidemiological methods in complex situations, thanks to its permanent teams in Paris (France), Maradi (Niger), Yaoundé (Cameroon) and Mbarara (Uganda), as well as its teams of epidemiologists in MSF programs in Mali, DRC, Malawi, Chad, South Sudan, and in other countries such as New York, Dubai, Dakar, Geneva, Brussels, London and Cape Town. The research centers in Niger and Uganda provide the necessary infrastructure for a wide range of projects which, from the outset, are designed to translate into practical solutions for the populations concerned.

In addition, MSF staff are trained in epidemiology and public health tools. Through its training program, Epicentre helps equip staff with the tools and knowledge needed to deal with emergencies and epidemics.

Epicentre has an office in Geneva.