Stories of survival in Maroua, Cameroon
Photo: © MSF/Samuel Sieber
For the past 5 years, MSF has performed more than 14,000 surgeries and provided more than 8,000 mental health consultations at Maroua hospital in northern Cameroon. Our services range from emergency trauma surgery for those caught up in conflict, to long-term rehabilitative care. Meet some of the people we've been able to assist as patients. People in Cameroon’s Far North continue to suffer daily violence from ongoing armed conflict, while also facing extreme poverty in a region subject to an unpredictable climate.
Photo: © Patrick Meinhardt
Ibrahim Abdulahi, 24, fled Nigeria to escape armed groups. He lost several brothers and his mother in one attack. He was referred to MSF showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. "When I first arrived, I said that I didn't know why I was living… with treatment, I am getting better.”
Photo: © Patrick Meinhardt
Children at the hospital engage in psycho-stimulation activities that include drawing and playing.
Photo: © Samuel Sieber
During this physiotherapy session, Damien, whose right lower leg and foot had to be amputated, completed several exercises to measure his level of pain and ease of movement.
Photo: © Sylvain Cherkaoui
Soulay Dairou, 17, had to have his left leg amputated after an unknown boy set off explosives strapped to his body.
Photo: © Patrick Meinhardt
MSF Psychologist Rael Miame Kongo talks with Jacques Dounya. His leg was amputated in 2017 and he fell into a depression after the trauma. “People think you’re half a man, unable to work or earn a living.” He’s been getting psychosocial support from MSF since.
Photo: © Pierre Yves Bernard
Bouba Ibrahim was badly burnt and spent 16 months in Maroua. His father spent most of that time with him - so much so, that when he returned home, he found that their house had sadly been destroyed by flooding during the rainy season.
Discover more about this unique area and the work we’ve done in Maroua
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