Goto main content

HI in Lebanon helps 10-year-old Shahid to walk again

Explosive weapons Health Rehabilitation
Lebanon

Shahid was seriously injured in Syria in 2011 and has been unable to walk since. Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is providing physiotherapy and splints to get her back on her feet.

 

Shahid learns to walk with her assistive devices to become independent and confident

Shahid learns to walk with her assistive devices to become independent and confident | © Photo HI

In 2011, when Shahid was only two years old, she was hit by shrapnel in the middle part of her back. She had many surgical interventions to treat her spinal cord injury in Bekaa Hospital, Lebanon.

At the time, doctors believed that she would not be able to walk again.

She learned to crawl to gain some independence but is largely dependent on her aunt for most daily activities.

Shahid has never gone to school because of her disability.


Help from HI

HI conducted a physical therapy assessment to fully understand Shahid’s current situation and needs then developed a long-term treatment plan.

This includes the provision and fitting of two leg supports (orthoses), a walker for short distances and a wheelchair for longer distances as well as regular physical therapy sessions.

One month after beginning the treatment plan and after just eight physical therapy sessions, Shahid started to regain mobility and walk independently with the support of her assistive devices.

 

Access to education

HI also found an appropriate learning program for Shahid and she has spent the summer catching up on her missed education.

“It feels amazing to be able to move my body and go to school to start my education,”

stated the little girl.


HI will support her to enroll at a public school and achieve her dreams:

“I always wanted to study and become a doctor”.

 

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Jahanzeb Hussain

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

No to the return of antipersonnel landmines
© V. Vanniasingam / HI
Explosive weapons

No to the return of antipersonnel landmines

States parties to the Ottawa Treaty meeting ended in Geneva. It was the 1st time they were gathering since 5 members of the treaty announced their withdrawal. States failed to defend the Treaty.

HI signs a collaboration agreement with the WHO Academy
© HI
Emergency Health Prevention Rehabilitation

HI signs a collaboration agreement with the WHO Academy

The Academy of the World Health Organization (WHO) and HI have signed a collaboration agreement.

Myanmar, 3 months later
© HI / 2025
Emergency Health Rehabilitation

Myanmar, 3 months later

On 28 March, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit the centre of the country. HI mobilised immediately. Three months later, our teams are still working with affected communities.