Birnin Kebbi: Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has established facilities with a combined capacity of 400 beds across Kebbi State to combat malnutrition. Mr. Huggins Madondo, MSF Project Coordinator in Kebbi, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the facilities are strategically located across the state, with MSF beginning its response to malnutrition in Kebbi in 2022. Initially, MSF started with a facility of less than 20-bed capacity to tackle malnutrition. These facilities, known as In-patient Therapeutic Feeding Centres (ITFC) and Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centres (ATFC), serve different needs. The ITFC is designated for children requiring intensive care, while the ATFC caters to outpatients who do not require admission.
Madondo highlighted the increasing demand for services, noting that there is now a 250-bed capacity facility in Maiyama Local Government Area. In accordance with a memorandum of understanding with the Kebbi State Government, a 40-bed facility has also been established at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi.
Madondo discussed challenges faced by the organisation, citing late presentation of patients, security issues, and transport difficulties as major obstacles. He expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Kebbi State Ministry of Health and stated that MSF is actively engaging with key stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the intervention.
In collaboration with the ministry, MSF ensures that health professionals working with them are recruited under MSF's contract. While some ministry staff have experience in treating malnutrition, those who do not receive guidance and training from MSF's experienced personnel. Madondo emphasised that MSF ensures proper handover and does not leave behind unfinished projects or burdens.
The ministry's role in ongoing planning and input is crucial to ensuring long-term continuity. During the peak malnutrition period, which typically begins in June, MSF recalls its pool of professionals, including doctors and nurses, and provides them with refresher training before deployment.
Describing MSF as a 'complete mobile hospital', Madondo highlighted that the organisation employs professionals in various fields, including water and sanitation, as well as health information management. As part of its community support, MSF has drilled boreholes in different communities to provide access to potable water.