The unexpected power of play: Healing children in humanitarian crises
In almost any humanitarian crisis – from disease outbreaks to conflict zones – children are among the most vulnerable.
Last year alone, almost half of all patients admitted to MSF hospitals around the world were children under the age of five.
But, while access to medical care is absolutely essential, for our youngest patients, there is something else that improves their health, promotes recovery and helps them develop: play.
In this episode of Everyday Emergency, we speak to Katherine Hajji-Omer-Olu. She is a child life specialist who has been working with MSF teams around the world to harness the power of play and help children living through healthcare crises to access the benefits of this perhaps unexpected humanitarian work.
Read more about the power of play:
World Children's Day 2025: Children in conflict zones share their wishes
Five ways playtime is changing lives for children in crisis zones
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Everyday Emergency: An MSF podcast
Everyday Emergency is a podcast by Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We bring you true stories and expert insight from people on the frontline of humanitarian events.