Who cares for the carers? Malnutrition and its mental health toll

In northern Nigeria, malnutrition continues to claim young lives and places a significant emotional toll on the caregivers who tend to their children. The nurses and medical staff at MSF's Nilefa Kiji nutrition facility in Maiduguri, Borno state, witness the impact of this condition daily. The children, suffering from severe acute malnutrition, often arrive with other diseases, making treatment a lengthy process lasting from one week to a month.

While caregivers remain at the hospital, they endure weeks filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and the fear of losing a child. Fatima Ibrahim, whose daughter Aisha was admitted after battling meningitis and convulsions, struggled with worry for her other eight children at home. Fatima's emotional distress, along with the experiences of other mothers like her, highlights the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by caregivers.

To address this issue, MSF integrates mental health and psychosocial support into their malnutrition programmes. Caregivers receive psychological first aid upon arrival, followed by individual and group counselling sessions. These sessions allow caregivers to share their experiences, express their fears, and learn coping strategies.

Structured play activities are also available for children to help restore a sense of normalcy during recovery. In addition to counselling, MSF staff provide practical support for caregivers, such as helping them reconnect with family members and arranging brief home visits for those living far from the facility. These efforts aim to support caregivers in maintaining their emotional wellbeing, which is crucial for their ability to remain engaged in treatment, follow medical advice, and provide the necessary care for their children's recovery.