Illness: a cause of isolation and loss of dignity
Abdala Natuman, aged 55, is a fisherman from Mecúfe, a village in the province of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique. He is married, the father of six children and the grandfather of two grandchildren whom he adores. For Abdala, fishing is not just the profession that provides for his family; it is a way of life – fishing is the foundation of his identity, his dignity and his social standing. Respected within his community, he is widely recognised as a hard-working, resilient and devoted man.
Everything changed three years ago when Abdala suffered a stroke. The upheaval was radical: forced to remain bedridden for a very long time, he lost almost all his physical abilities, his independence and any hope of ever being able to fish again. Weakened both physically and mentally, this period plunged him into profound emotional, social and economic vulnerability.
At his lowest ebb, Abdala was gradually marginalised within his own family. His wife distanced herself from him, leaving him to live in a small makeshift tent set up against the house, without care or emotional support. Feeling rejected by his family and community, Abdala lost hope.
Step by step, regaining strength, confidence and hope
In 2025, whilst HI teams were working in his community, they became aware of Abdala’s situation. Without delay, they stepped in to ensure he received appropriate, ongoing and dignified care: Abdala began attending regular physiotherapy sessions combined with psychological support, provided by HI professionals who supported him with respect, empathy and dedication.
To help him gradually regain his independence, HI provided Abdala with a wheelchair. Thanks to his discipline and determination, he made great progress. Step by step, he has managed to stand up again, then to walk, and finally to carry out some daily activities such as going to the toilet or washing himself. With his physical independence, Abdala is also regaining his confidence, self-esteem and dignity.
Although he has not yet fully recovered, his health is now stable, and he continues to actively participate in rehabilitation sessions. Abdala feels optimistic once again; he is making realistic, step-by-step plans for the future and has just one wish: being able to return to sea one day and become again the dedicated and generous fisherman he once was, rooted in his family and community.
The emergency response project is deployed in hard-to-reach areas of Cabo Delgado. Its aim is to improve access to health services for the populations most affected by the conflict. Since 2025, more than 4,500 people have received rehabilitation support and over 3,000 people have received psychosocial and mental health support.
