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

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 | © 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.