Growing up with a disability
Juliana Carlito, aged 16, lives in the village of Citate, in Cabo Delgado province, in northern Mozambique.
Since the age of four, she has lived with a physical disability caused by paraparesis (muscle weakness) combined with a spinal deformity. This condition affects her mobility and her ability to carry out simple everyday tasks.
From a very young age, she has found it difficult to get around on her own. Every movement takes effort. This affects her social interactions as well as her access to education. Like many teenage girls her age, however, Juliana dreams of going to school, learning and building a future for herself.
Support to regain her independence
Juliana’s situation changed when she was identified by HI teams during an awareness-raising event. Following a comprehensive assessment of her needs, a personalised rehabilitation plan was put in place to help her regain some independence.
Juliana then began regular physiotherapy sessions with HI’s teams. The organisation also provided her with assistive devices: an adapted tricycle and a pair of underarm crutches. This equipment enables her to get about more easily and safely, and to gradually regain her independence in everyday activities.
A future open to new possibilities
Thanks to this support, Juliana is making significant progress. Her physical abilities and balance are improving. She is regaining her self-confidence.
Little by little, she is managing to get about on her own within her community and to participate more fully in daily life. She has also resumed her studies, a goal that had previously seemed out of reach.
The assistive devices provided by HI are much more than just equipment: they provide access to education, promote social inclusion and open up new opportunities.
“I am very pleased with the support I have received from the rehabilitation team, particularly the crutches, which help me carry out my daily activities and spend time with my family and friends,” explains Juliana.
In Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, HI is implementing a project aimed at improving access for conflict-affected populations to essential health, nutrition, mental health and psychosocial support services, as well as rehabilitation services. The project organises community awareness-raising sessions to promote best practices in prevention and care and to strengthen the capacity of the local health system. It prioritises pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five, adolescents and people with disabilities. In total, more than 72,500 people are directly benefiting from this intervention.
