Efforts Continue to Restore Hope for Disabled Children in Yemen
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen, exacerbated by years of conflict, has taken a significant toll on its youngest citizens. Among these impacts is the alarming rate of disabilities among children, which UNICEF is addressing through its prosthetic support initiatives. Over the years, countless children have suffered from injuries leading to disabilities, often due to the devastating consequences of warfare. The organization’s commitment to changing lives is vividly illustrated through the story of Khadija and other children who have benefited from their programs.
Reports indicate high rates of physical disabilities among children, with 18% suffering from functional impairments in at least one area. These struggles are compounded by endemic poverty, inadequate medical care, and family neglect, leading many children to bear the brunt of the hardships wrought by war. UNICEF has taken steps to alleviate some of these burdens through collaborations with prosthetic centers, like the one located in Sana'a, providing life-altering support to children who have lost limbs.
Since 2021, this center has received substantial backing from UNICEF, enabling them to assist over 100 children across the country. This support has included the recent delivery of additional prosthetic materials to serve 500 more children by October 2024, demonstrating UNICEF's determination to continue its mission of restoring hope and mobility.
One vivid example of this benevolent initiative can be found through the story of Khadija, just nine years old, whose childhood dream came to life with the help of the prosthetic center. Khadija's father, Shaif Aishan, recalls the painful experience with his daughter’s deteriorated condition: "A wound appeared on her heel. We treated it for two years and underwent several surgeries, but to no avail. Finally, the doctors told us the only solution was amputation." This was devastating for the family, but it was at this lowest point they discovered the support available through UNICEF.
After her leg was amputated, Khadija received her prosthetic limb at the Sana'a center. Shaif reminisces about the transformation, saying, "Khadija was so happy with her new leg; she couldn’t wait to get home and start walking again." For the first time, as her father remembers, she had hope for the future, which she had almost lost entirely.
With her new leg, Khadija found the courage to return to school, making steady strides toward resuming her education. Shaif emphasizes, "I cherish her. She is my treasure, being the only girl among seven boys." It is clear how much her new lease on life means to their family.
Afrha Al-Harasi, the prosthetic technician, played an integral role throughout Khadija's recovery process. She recalls Khadija’s resilience, remarking, “She had such willpower and determination to continue her education. She even arrived wearing her school uniform, eager to return to school as soon as possible.”
Al-Harasi adds, “Fitting the prosthetic requires both physical and mental preparation. We train patients to strengthen their muscles and adjust to their new limb physically, but just as important is helping them accept the new prosthetic and realize they can overcome difficulties.” Khadija’s quick adaptation stands out, contrasting the experience of others who might take months to adjust to similar circumstances.
UNICEF's partnership has been indispensable to the operations of the prosthetic center, allowing children's lives to be transformed. Al-Harasi expresses her gratitude for UNICEF’s support, stating, "I hope they continue their work. There are many children who need these services but cannot afford them due to Yemen’s hard economic situation." Through restoring mobility and encouraging optimism, UNICEF and its partners are helping to change the lives of children like Khadija, ensuring they can overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
Despite the overwhelming obstacles faced, stories like Khadija’s remind us of resilience and the work being done to impact positively on children's lives throughout Yemen. With sufficient support, there is hope for those suffering from the consequences of war.