Not simply enjoyable: How play remedy helps kids’s psychological well being in Sierra Leone | Docs With out Borders

At the MSF Mother and Child Hospital in Kenema, MSF groups present important care to pregnant girls, lactating moms, and kids below 5, with play remedy as part of our complete well being care method. Through the psychological well being and psychosocial help unit, often known as the ‘nepo center’ [nepo means comfort in the local Mende language], play helps kids’s emotional expression, builds social abilities, and addresses developmental delays.

Play additionally deepens the bond between kids and caregivers by enabling optimistic interactions. Through actions like group play or ball video games, kids freely specific feelings and develop social abilities, whereas caregivers be taught to answer their wants. Bonding with a caregiver creates a safe attachment, offering kids with a basis of security and emotional help. This fosters confidence, enabling kids to discover their surroundings, handle stress, and deal with frustration successfully.

“At the hospital, play therapy starts with ward screenings and physical exams by the MSF team,” says Kemoh. “We assess children for developmental delays, like crawling, walking, or cognitive development and bonding with the caregivers, based on their age. We then tailor play sessions to meet their specific needs.”

When Isata Sheriff introduced her daughter, 2-year-old Maella Conteh, to the hospital, she was severely unwell and tired of taking part in or interacting. After becoming a member of play periods, Maella started taking part in with balls and a toy automotive. 

“She was uninterested before, but now she’s happy, and that makes me happy too,” Isata says.