Created in 1996 by doctors in charge of hospital structures wishing to share their knowledge, Douleurs Sans Frontières (DSF) is a  French NGO of international solidarity , recognized by the WHO and of public utility since 2003 (decree of November 10, 2003). The association was born from the desire to universalize the  fight against pain and to proceed with a transfer of skills in areas where pain management is not always effective.

DSF develops projects aimed at promoting, leading and developing all actions relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of pain, suffering and end-of-life symptoms in vulnerable populations .

Thus, DSF's strategy favors long-term actions through capacity building and support for institutional health actors and civil society . The international solidarity NGO builds partnerships with local actors able to ensure the sustainability of the actions undertaken and to take into account the needs and expectations of the most vulnerable populations (children, people with disabilities, populations in precarious situations , social exclusion, etc.). The actions are part of the national health strategies of the countries with, as a cornerstone, the transfer of skills .

The approaches chosen, while adapting to the various actors and contexts, aim to strengthen spaces for coordination and consultation between actors , as pain management cannot be effective and sustainable without collective dynamics. This multidisciplinary approach contributes to the development of health strategies centered on patients, improving access, management and quality of care .