REHAB FOR DISABLED PATIENTS IN IRAQ

Update from our field partner, Operation Mercy, on the Community Based Rehabilitation Project in Iraq during 2020.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Since 2015 Operation Mercy in the Kurdish Region of Iraq has been operating a community based rehabilitation (CBR) project for Syrian refugees and Iraqi internally displaced people. In 2020 we operated in 7 camps. This project has been serving 75 families who have someone with a disability that needs physical or occupational therapy. After a medical consultation, participants receive essential assistive devices, are trained in appropriate physical therapy techniques, and encouraged to join peer and family support groups. This approach doesn’t focus only on the people with disabilities but also on their families. Our hope is for the families to create a supportive environment for their loved ones and to become advocates and agents of change on behalf of the people with disabilities within their communities. The complexity of dealing with the needs of the people we serve requires a holistic response that empowers families, trains nationals, and builds community.

ACTIVITIES

Due to Covid-19 the activities for this year were very different than originally planned. Unfortunately, Operation Mercy had to temporarily shut down the project for half a year due to total lockdowns and restrictions in Iraq preventing all NGOs from entering and working in IDP or refugee camps. The other six months we were able to visit our clients at home and encourage them to continue doing their exercises

Distributions
Covid-19 restrictions affected many families financially with some unable to purchase enough food for the month. Operation Mercy completed three significant food and hygiene distributions in May, September and December 2020 to 55-65 families with whom we work. During the distribution, it was evident that many people have been out of work while some also reported being in debt primarily due to COVID-19 restrictions. The help of these items was crucial to these vulnerable families who have people with disabilities. Operation Mercy Iraq would like to thank our donors for the opportunity to connect with our clients in this way and for their partnership in being able to bless families greatly affected by this time of isolation.

PATIENT STORY: HAVINE

Havine is 18 years old and has been living in a Yazidi IDP camp since ISIS came to her village near Sinjar in 2014. When we first met her over a year ago, she never smiled, had no friends, and had no hope in life. She would not leave her home because of her physical disability of severe bilateral clubfoot. Both feet were at a 90 degree angle pointed inwardly since birth.

Havine, before surgery

Despite spending all her time at home, her relationship with her family was strained. She underwent corrective surgery with one of our partner NGOs in 2019.

Unfortunately, in 2019 until early 2020 she did not have much motivation to do exercises and her physical improvement was slowed due to her depression and anxiety. It even progressed to the point that sometimes she would faint from the fear of trying to stand. Our local team spent weeks encouraging her, reminding her of her incredible value and worth, no matter what her feet look like. Every week they encouraged her to continue her exercises. The change progressed slowly but then became drastic. She has now accomplished her goals of walking without any assistance, sitting with her legs crossed on the floor to be able to eat, and participate in social visits with her family and friends. She now has two corrected feet and re-learned how to walk!

Havine, after surgery and rehabilitation

Now Havine smiles, laughs, and has started loving herself. She has friends and leaves her house to hang out with them. Her relationship with her family has also improved. She has joined one of our peer groups of young women her age with similar physical disabilities. She previously had not wanted to participate in a group but now says she looks forward to it!  We have seen her transform from a shy and insecure girl to a vibrant, young woman being an active participant in her community.

Please visit our Project page and donate towards this worthy cause!