A pharmacist, Jacques Pinel joined MSF in 1979. He was instrumental in creating and organising many areas of MSF’s work; he implemented policies behind logistics, pharmacy and medicines, creating the concept of the kits MSF still uses to this day. He also established MSF Logistique, now in Bordeaux, a logistical centre for many of MSF’s field operations.
Jacques formed the network of MSF pharmacists working across headquarter offices and field programmes, and worked hard to identify the drugs and barriers for accessing medicines that MSF faced in the field. It was this work that led Jacques, along with founding Executive Director Bernard Pécoul, to be a key member and co-founder of MSF’s Access Campaign in 1999, campaigning for better drugs and tools in developing countries.
The Access Campaign was saddened by the news of Jacques’ passing last Friday, 14 August, and the entire team extends their deepest sympathies to the Pinel family.
“The members of MSF’s Access Campaign – past and present – are very saddened by the news of the death of Jacques Pinel last Friday. Jacques was a true visionary, with rare qualities; a man who turned great ideas into practical solutions and actions. His integrity and compassion have influenced and inspired many colleagues at MSF. He helped a considerable number of people around the world.
“We are all very proud to have known and worked with Jacques, and to continue to support his ideas. Through the sorrow and grief at his death, we will remember Jacques’ love of life, and will always remember and cherish his work and his humanitarian commitment.”
The MSF Access Campaign team