Displaced and Delivering

Laurence Geai

Estrella has been pregnant and living in a camp for displaced people in Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, since violence drove her from her neighborhood in the city. The M’Poko Camp, near Bangui international airport, hosts around 40,000 people. The assistance there is insufficient. People lack water, food, and shelter.

MSF is running a field hospital and three health posts in M’Poko Camp. Every day, MSF teams provide more than 1,000 consultations and help at least 10 women give birth. Today Estrella was one of those women.

Estrella is about to deliver. After arriving at the MSF field hospital, she is examined by the medical teams. The complex cases are referred to another MSF structure equipped to carry out C-sections when need be. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai
Estrella just gave birth to a little boy. His name is Christopher. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai
The medical team is examining Christopher. He weighs 3,3Kg. He is a healthy baby. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai
Estrella rests after delivery while the medical team deals with her baby. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai
The midwife gives Estrella her baby after the regular medical examinations. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai
Estrella and Christopher will remain under observation another 24h at the MSF maternity. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai
The next day, Estrella goes back to the camp. She lives in a shack built with branches and tarps. The living conditions are basic. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai
In the evening, the family comes to see the newborn. Since December Estrella and her family live in M’Poko camp. No one dares going back home due to ongoing violence even though the living conditions in the camp are extremely precarious. Estrella lives in the displaced camp of M’Poko, in the proximity of the Bangui international airport. Following last December’s wave of violence, thousands of people sought refuge in this spontaneous site. Today, around 40,000 people live here. Water, food and shelters are insufficient. Since December, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intervenes in the camp. Today, through a field hospital and three health posts in the camp, every day the MSF teams provide over 1000 consultations and help at least 10 women like Estrella to give birth daily.
Laurence Geai