since 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has operated a pediatric program in Koutiala, southeastern Mali, to combat child mortality through preventive and curative care. To enhance treatment for young patients, MSF initiated the construction of a modern pediatric unit. Over more than a year, we documented this transformative project.

malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in the Koutiala region. Affected children often experience reduced appetite, increasing their risk of malnutrition. Conversely, malnourished children become more susceptible to severe illnesses. To break this vicious cycle, MSF provides free, high-quality hospital care for children with critical conditions and strengthens pediatric services across Koutiala district to prevent complications before they arise.

the new pediatric unit consolidates all patient services on a single site with advanced, improved medical equipment.

up to 1,000 children are admitted to the pediatric and malnutrition wards at Koutiala hospital, supported by MSF, during peak malaria season (typically june to december, depending on rainfall), which coincides with the lean period (food deficit) in october/november across the region.

in episode 2, meet luca, accompanied by marie hortense (msf medical coordinator in Koutiala) and hippolyte (deputy project coordinator). together, they visit the annex, a facility designed to handle patient surges during high-demand periods.

in episode 3, luca joins ana (construction project coordinator) to tour the still-under-construction site. this visit offers a preview of the pediatric unit’s final design.

episode 4 reveals the long-awaited unveiling of the new hospital. join nicolas and albert to discover how this state-of-the-art facility revolutionizes patient care. the upgraded pediatric unit centralizes all services with modern, enhanced medical technology.

in the final episode, nicolas travels to konséguéla, about 50 kilometers from Koutiala, where msf supports a local health center.