Nigerian Hospital Caregivers Face Emotional Toll

In the intensive care unit of the Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Nilefa Kiji nutrition facility in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria, the cries of children battling severe acute malnutrition fill the air. These young patients often arrive alongside other illnesses, such as measles, diphtheria, and malaria, complicating their recovery. While medical staff focus on treating the children, the emotional toll on their caregivers—often mothers—remains a hidden crisis.

The Emotional Burden on Caregivers

Living at the hospital for weeks, caregivers face uncertainty about their families left behind. Fatima Ibrahim, whose 23-month-old daughter Aisha was admitted after meningitis and convulsions, described the three weeks as filled with conflicting emotions. “I am so worried about my children. Yesterday my older daughter had fever, and her father did not have money for medication. Yesterday, I cried and had no appetite.” Her story reflects the weight of responsibility many carry while their children receive treatment.

Similarly, Latifat Abdulkareem recounted sleepless nights caring for her seven-month-old daughter, also named Aisha. “For days I couldn’t sleep. I even thought my daughter would not make it,” she said. The fear of losing a child, combined with separation from other family members, tests their resilience daily.

Mental Health Support at the Facility

To address these challenges, MSF integrates mental health and psychosocial support into its malnutrition programs. Caregivers receive psychological first aid upon arrival, followed by individual counseling and group sessions where they share experiences and learn coping strategies. Children also participate in structured play activities to restore a sense of normalcy during recovery.

Related Post: New York Boys Club Fosters Mental Health Through Tradition

“The counsellors come to play with my daughter, and we also have group sessions. The counsellors are very kind,” Latifat said. When caregivers become distressed over missing relatives, MSF staff help them contact family members by phone. In some cases, supervised home visits are arranged, allowing caregivers to briefly check on their families before returning to complete their child’s treatment.

Broader Context and Caregiver Stories

Halima Mohammed, who spent 45 days shuttling between hospitals with two sick children, described her struggle. She pleaded for her daughter’s discharge, assuring staff she would not abandon treatment, but they advised against self-discharge due to her unstable condition.

Kethurah John, an MSF counsellor educator, emphasized that witnessing children’s recovery helps caregivers regain hope. “For us, those moments remind us that caring for the caregiver is also part of caring for the child,” she said. Some caregivers even return after discharge to show how healthy their children have become.

MSF’s Response and Impact

Supporting caregivers is not just an act of compassion; it directly impacts treatment outcomes. Their emotional wellbeing influences their ability to engage in care, follow medical advice, and provide the necessary support for their children’s recovery. As malnutrition persists in northern Nigeria, addressing the needs of both children and their caregivers remains essential.