At Baghdad Central Children's hospital, used needles litter the filthy corridors. There is rotting garbage and a cesspool underneath the wards. "I'm afraid the smell and diseases coming from that pool will make her even more sick," fears one patient's mother. The biggest threat to the children here comes from cross-infection caused by unsanitary conditions. Only three of the six wards are operating because of staff or equipment shortages. Some patients even have to sleep on the floor because there are not enough beds. "The Americans said they would build hospitals, treat children," complains one patient's father. "But all you find is killing, illness, and death."