Addis Ababa – For young children, recovery involves more than treating physical illness. Emotional wellbeing, healthy development and supportive relationships are also essential to a child’s health. In Kule refugee camp, play-based psychosocial support is helping children under five build confidence and express emotions while aiding their recovery.
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) integrates play therapy into routine care for young children admitted to hospital in Kule refugee camp.
Integrating psychosocial support into healthcare
Most paediatric patients in Kule are treated in the inpatient therapeutic feeding centre (ITFC), where children with different levels of malnutrition receive specialised nutritional care.
“One of the biggest challenges with children with severe malnutrition is that they lose their appetite, and become withdrawn or lethargic,” explains Liya Jemal, MSF mental health activity manager. “Play-based activities create a stimulating and supportive environment where children can gradually re-engage with caregivers, health workers and other children.”
As children become more active and emotionally comfortable, they often show greater interest in feeding and daily activities, supporting their overall recovery. “We have seen how regular play helps children become more responsive and engaged during their stay in the ITFC, and their appetite increases significantly,” says Jemal. “Creating opportunities for children to play can make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing and recovery.”
The caregiver, a key element to play therapy
Play therapy actively involves caregivers, recognising their central role in a child’s recovery, development and emotional wellbeing. Through play therapy, caregivers are encouraged to participate in activities with their children, creating opportunities for positive interaction, communication and connection. These shared moments help strengthen emotional bonds, build trust, and support children’s social, emotional and cognitive development.
Nyagua has been receiving treatment at the intensive therapeutic feeding centre (ITFC) for more than five days, and she has participated in play therapy activities with her grandmother.
By involving caregivers in care, play therapy helps children feel safer during illness and recovery, while also supporting caregivers in responding to their children’s needs with confidence. Play therapy contributes not only to children’s recovery and development but also to stronger, more supportive relationships that promote long-term wellbeing.
Training MSF staff in play therapy
In May 2026, two MSF play therapy specialists delivered a two-week training programme in Kule refugee camp for counsellors, nurses and other healthcare staff working with young children. While play therapy was already used in the ITFC, the training strengthened staff capacity to integrate psychosocial support into everyday healthcare. Kule is the first MSF project to receive this specialised training, which MSF aims to replicate in other contexts.
By integrating play and psychosocial support into medical and nutritional care, MSF helps ensure that children receive not only life-saving treatment, but also the emotional and developmental support they need to recover and grow.
