The unexpected power of play: Healing children in humanitarian crises
Update: 2025-11-20
Description
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 Haciömeroğlu. 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.
If you would like to support our life-saving medical work around the world, please visit msf.org.uk to make a donation. Thank you.
Presented by Amber Dowell
Edited by Sandy McKee
Photo: MSF
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 Haciömeroğlu. 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.
If you would like to support our life-saving medical work around the world, please visit msf.org.uk to make a donation. Thank you.
Presented by Amber Dowell
Edited by Sandy McKee
Photo: MSF
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