APPLIANCES FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Thousands of children in Tigray, a northern region of Ethiopia, are disabled. Years of military conflict, frequent famines and poor health services have resulted in many children contracting polio, suffering from congenital malformations and other disabling conditions.

Services are now available at the Mekelle Ortho-Physiotherapy Centre (MOPC) for many children to receive appliances that will increase their mobility. Unfortunately due to the current funding arrangements it is difficult for many children from poor families to receive these services. It is hoped that in the future this situation will change but in the meantime support is needed for poor disabled children to be assisted with devices that will enable them to lead a more normal life. For example we know that polio children who receive caliphers are more likely to go to school and thus have greater opportunities for the future. Infants with club feet can receive treatment at an early stage thus preventing major deformities.

The children below are being assisted. Additional funding will allow many more children to receive support. Staff from the MOPC will forward photos of children who will receive assistance plus monthly reports. We ask that you join us to make life a little easier for more disabled children.

A Tigrian women with the children – a four old boy with polio and a baby with a club foot

Donations can be forwarded to Friends of interPART.