Goto main content

“I’d given up hope of living a normal life again"

Rehabilitation
Occupied Palestinian Territory

Ahmed, 16, was injured by a bullet in the leg. Bedridden, he felt very lonely. Now HI is helping him to live a normal life again, like any other teenager. 

Ahmad is care managed by HI's mobile team of partners in Gaza

Ahmad is care managed by HI's mobile team of partners in Gaza | © HI / Abedelrahman Abu Hassanien

Bullet wound 

Ahmad was hit by a bullet below his right knee. It happened close to the border and he was rushed to hospital where he had four operations. Alone in bed, he was too afraid to use crutches, and his mother had to help him do everyday tasks. The teenager lives on the fourth floor, without a lift, so even the shortest journey was a challenge.

Loneliness 

Ahmad withdrew into himself after his injury. He wanted to be alone so his family would not see that he was weak and unable to move. He sank into a depression and spent the Eid holidays away from his loved ones. He missed his family very much. 

Talking “like they do in the films"

He now receives visits from a partner mobile team supported by HI. Their priority is to make sure he’s able to get out of bed and move around, and to do everyday tasks unaided and completely independently. The team began by teaching him to use the crutches given to him by HI. 
This enabled Ahmad to return to school just two weeks after he was discharged from hospital. He can now put on his shoes alone and sees his family and friends again. The psychological assistance, also provided by the partners supported by HI, has put a smile back on his face and restored his confidence. Ahmad wants to be a civil engineer again and to improve his English, to talk “like they do in the films".

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Alexandra Buskie

Help them
concretely

To go further

Venezuela emergency: assessing needs to deliver an effective and inclusive response
© A. Jota / HI
Emergency Health Prevention Rehabilitation

Venezuela emergency: assessing needs to deliver an effective and inclusive response

In Venezuela, HI is on the ground coordinating an inclusive humanitarian response to ensure that everyone receives the support they need.

Responding to an emergency when you are affected: Yohanna shares her story from Caracas
© A. Jota / HI
Emergency Health Prevention Rehabilitation

Responding to an emergency when you are affected: Yohanna shares her story from Caracas

Yohanna Talloli, an inclusive humanitarian action specialist at HI, reflects on the earthquakes that have plunged her country into mourning and their devastating consequences.

Venezuela: emergency response under way following two deadly earthquakes
© Manaure QUINTERO / AFP
Emergency Health Rehabilitation

Venezuela: emergency response under way following two deadly earthquakes

Two powerful earthquakes have struck north-central Venezuela, causing extensive damage. On the ground, HI teams are getting ready to respond to the emergency.