Yemen: Repairing minds and bodies

17-year-old Salim was injured in a bombing while working in a grocery store near Hudaydah in Yemen. His leg had to be amputated and he was left shocked and anxious. Humanity & Inclusion teams have supported him with rehabilitation care and psychological support.

Salim being fitted with a prosthesis by an HI physiotherapist | © Ayman / HI

Six months ago, 17-year-old Salim was injured in a bombing as he worked in a grocery store near Hudaydah in Yemen. The teenager was working in the grocery store outside of school hours to help support his family.

Salim's leg was amputated below the knee in the city’s hospital. The experience left him shocked and anxious. Could he live with just one leg? How would he support his family? Would he be able to go back to school?

Salim travelled four hours to get to the Sana’a rehabilitation centre, where he could be seen by a physiotherapist and fitted with his prosthesis. He’s here because a few months ago he was hit by a bomb in the grocery store where he worked out of school hours.

"When I first saw Salim, he was depressed," explains Humanity & Inclusion’s psychologist, Sana. "The pain was keeping him awake."

"He wouldn’t accept what had happened to him. He cried because he thought his future had been snatched away from him. He didn’t think he could wear a prosthesis and live a normal life."

To help prepare Salim for his prosthesis, HI gave him a pair of crutches and rehabilitation care, along with vital psychological support.

"When I was discharged from the hospital after my amputation, I was too ashamed to go to school," explains Salim.

"I didn’t think I’d walk again. But in the end, it's tough, but life goes on."

"I still have a future. I walk normally. I love reading and seeing my friends. I want to continue my studies and support my family."

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Date published: 22/11/18

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