Doctors of the World-USA projects focus on the critical nexus between health and human rights. DOW promotes global health through the advancement of human rights, improving the underlying conditions necessary to fulfill the right to health at the community and policy levels, and increasing awareness about the negative health consequences of human rights violations.

DOW projects increase access to health care for marginalized populations through initiatives that develop the capacity of local communities to provide sustainable health. Addressing health crises including HIV/AIDS and TB, women's health, orphans and vulnerable children, and human trafficking and torture, DOW works in partnership with local communities, to develop projects that combine direct service, system development, and advocacy. DOW has worked in over 30 countries and communities where health is diminished or endangered by violations of human rights and civil liberties.