During the rainy season, when malaria reaches its peak, hospital admissions for severe acute malnutrition rise rapidly. With nearly 700 monthly admissions at the Mokolo Regional Annex Hospital, which has a capacity of around 110 beds, teams must organize rotations, prioritize the most critical cases, and stabilize children as quickly as possible. Behind these figures are faces, individual stories, and difficult decisions.
Ndarndouwaï: “Every child is a life we must support”
At 33, Ndarndouwaï has been working at the nutrition center for five years. Employed by the Ministry of Health, he is one of the ward’s key staff members. In his arms, he holds Aïcha, a little girl currently receiving treatment.
“During the rainy season, malaria cases increase. Combined with malnutrition, this further weakens children. As a result, their clinical condition deteriorates. By the time the dry season arrives, they already have low nutritional reserves, which worsens their condition even more.”
Ndarndouwaï explains: “We receive many children suffering from malnutrition. When they arrive, some are very weak.”
Care begins with triage. The most severe cases are referred to the intensive care unit: 16 beds across two units, including one dedicated to emergencies, severe anemia, and complicated cases. Two oxygen concentrators help stabilize children suffering from respiratory distress.
Despite the pressure, Ndarndouwaï remains driven by the same conviction: “Working with ALIMA allows us to strengthen care, stay close to communities, and provide treatment adapted to local realities. When we see a child regain strength, it gives us the motivation to keep going despite the challenges.” For him, “every child treated is much more than a medical case. It’s an entire family we are supporting.”
Fadimatou: “I tried traditional medicine first”
In the transition ward of the nutrition center, Fadimatou Hayatou watches over her daughter, Aïcha Faisal.
“I am 23, married, and have two children. My daughter fell ill. I tried traditional medicine first, before deciding to come to the hospital.”
Like many mothers in the region, Fadimatou initially sought help within her community. When her daughter’s condition did not improve, her concern grew: “She was no longer eating properly. She was weak. I was afraid.”
At the hospital, Aïcha is now receiving therapeutic nutritional treatment and daily medical monitoring. In the transition ward, stabilized children gradually regain weight before continuing treatment as outpatients.
Fadimatou’s experience highlights how access to care remains a major challenge in a region where long distances, insecurity, and declining humanitarian funding make seeking healthcare even more difficult.
In Mokolo, treating malnutrition depends on daily coordination between hospital teams, peripheral health centers, and communities. Early detection, rapid referral, and effective stabilization: these repeated actions make all the difference.
In the corridors of the nutrition center, many stories intersect. Those of committed healthcare workers, worried parents, and children who, day by day, regain strength, hope, and a smile on their faces.
This project supporting the Mokolo General Annex Hospital in the treatment of malnutrition is implemented with financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD), the Crisis and Support Centre (CDCS), and GiveWell. Over the past year, it has enabled nearly 3,000 children under five to receive treatment for severe acute malnutrition.
Testimonies and photos: Cora PORTAIS/ALIMA
