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International Day of the African Child

Inclusion Prevention Rehabilitation Rights

The 16th of June, celebrated as the international day of the African child, is an opportunity to reflect on the important progress that has been made for children in Africa. It is also a day to recognise the injustices and challenges that many African children still face. 

© R. Colfs/Handicap International

For most children born in Africa today, the outlook is much brighter than when Handicap International first began working on the continent, back in 1984. Over the past 3 decades, infant mortality rates have halved, the number of children attending secondary school has increased four-fold and average life expectancy has increased by 10 years.

However, opportunities for African children continue to fall short when compared with the rest of the world and many children are still born into extreme adversity. Children in sub-Saharan Africa are 14 times more likely to die before the age of 5 than children in developed regions.

Handicap international works in 26 countries in Africa to accompany children born into challenging circumstances throughout their early lives.

We are there from the very beginning, to make sure that healthy mums have healthy babies:

© R. Binard / Handicap International, Togo

We intervene early when children have physical disabilities that can be treated:

© S. Rieussec / Handicap International, Mali

We provide mobility aids and prosthetics as children grow so that they can make the most of their childhood:

© E. Rogard / Handicap International, Burkina Faso

And we make sure that schools adapt to children’s needs so that they can complete their education:

© R. Binard / Handicap International, Togo

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To go further

Injured by the war in Syria, this is Omar’s story.
© Saleh Aliwa - HI
Explosive weapons Rehabilitation

Injured by the war in Syria, this is Omar’s story.

Having had his leg amputated by shrapnel, Omar fled Syria with his family and is now living in Jordan where he has received physical rehabilitation treatment and a new prosthesis.

“When you have a disability, you can’t just get up and run for safety.”
© partenaire HI
Inclusion Rehabilitation

“When you have a disability, you can’t just get up and run for safety.”

Life can be harrowing for people with disabilities in war-torn Syria, as they are exposed to violence and discrimination. HI and its local partners are helping Faisal to live like any other father.

Displaced by war: the story of Tamara and her son Mykhailo
© O.Marikutsa / HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Displaced by war: the story of Tamara and her son Mykhailo

After the bombing of their house, Tamara and Mykhailo had to abandon it. Thanks to a temporary shelter in Dnipro and HI’s services, they were able to get the help they needed.