Since 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has operated a pediatric program in Koutiala, southeastern Mali, to reduce child mortality through preventive and curative care. To further enhance care for young patients, MSF constructed a new pediatric unit. Over more than a year, we documented the entire construction process.

Malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in the Koutiala region. Children suffering from malaria often lose their appetite, increasing their risk of malnutrition. Conversely, malnourished children are more susceptible to severe illnesses. MSF addresses this vicious cycle by providing free, high-quality hospital care for critically ill children and expanding pediatric services and access to healthcare in villages across the Koutiala district to prevent these complications.

The new pediatric unit consolidates all patients in a single, modern facility with improved equipment.

During peak malaria season—typically June to December, depending on rainfall—and the hunger gap period (October/November) in this region, up to 1,000 children are admitted annually to the pediatrics and malnutrition wards at the Koutiala hospital, supported by MSF.

In Episode 2: Meet Luca, accompanied by Marie Hortense, MSF’s medical coordinator in Koutiala, and Hyppolite, deputy project coordinator. Together, they visit the Annex, a facility designed to handle patient surges.

In Episode 3: Accompanied by Ana, Project Construction Coordinator, Luca visits the still-under-construction pediatric unit. It’s an opportunity to preview the final design of this essential facility.

In Episode 4: The long-awaited moment arrives—the unveiling of the new hospital. Join Nicolas and Albert as they explore this state-of-the-art facility and discover how it benefits patients. The new pediatric unit brings all patients together in a modernized space with advanced equipment.

In the final episode, Nicolas travels to Konséguéla, about 50 kilometers from Koutiala, where MSF supports a local health center.