disaster
Ethiopia: Why play therapy is essential to a child’s recovery
By Médecins Sans Frontières at ReliefWeb
· June 10, 2026
· 3 min read
. For young children, recovery involves more than treating physical illness — emotional well-being, healthy development, and supportive relationships are also essential to a child's health. In Kule refugee camp, Ethiopia, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) integrates play therapy
Key takeaway In Kule refugee camp, Ethiopia, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) integrates play therapy into routine care for young children who are hospitalized.
Why this matters
The integration of play therapy into routine care for young children in Kule refugee camp, Ethiopia, highlights the critical role of holistic approaches in disaster relief efforts. By addressing the emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients, organizations like Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) can improve treatment outcomes and support long-term recovery. The involvement of caregivers in play therapy is particularly significant, as it fosters positive relationships and helps build resilience in both children and their caregivers. This approach can serve as a model for other humanitarian responses, where the focus often tends to be on immediate physical needs. By prioritizing emotional well-being and developmental support, relief organizations can better support the overall health and well-being of affected children, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and effective disaster relief efforts. This emphasis on comprehensive care can inform strategies for responding to similar crises in other parts of the world.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: June 10, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . For young children, recovery involves more than treating physical illness — emotional well-being, healthy development, and supportive relationships are also essential to a child's health. In Kule refugee camp, Ethiopia, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) integrates play therapy
When was this published? This article was first published on June 10, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Médecins Sans Frontières at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .