In war-ravaged Gaza, a young girl named Malak Sameeh Khader faced tragedy when her family perished in an attack. Despite her losses, she finds the strength to smile after receiving a new prosthetic leg.
Malak, aged 9, sought refuge at a school that was struck, leading to the deaths of her parents and three brothers. Following severe injuries, she underwent an above-the-knee amputation earlier this year. Recently, she was fitted with a new prosthetic leg, and touching footage shows her learning to walk with the aid of a parallel bar. This event coincides with the approaching third anniversary of the conflict in Gaza, where Palestinians have endured relentless bombardment.
The Ministry of Health estimates that the number of amputees requiring prosthetic services in Gaza has surged to 6,000. These statistics are highlighted in a report by the Health Cluster for occupied Palestinian territory, overseen by the World Health Organization.
Malak is one of the beneficiaries of the humanitarian group Humanity & Inclusion, receiving care at their center. Despite the hardships she has faced, Malak remains dedicated and motivated during her physiotherapy sessions to regain strength. Her uncle, with whom she now resides, emphasized the mental toll Malak endured after the loss of her parents and siblings.
Humanity & Inclusion operates the Nahla Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre in Zawaida, catering to up to six patients daily. Their mobile teams also offer support to individuals in various locations, including those displaced along the coast. Malak’s tragic story originates from the attack on the school where she resided with her family, resulting in her being the sole survivor with severe injuries.
The prosthetic limb services in Gaza are a challenging endeavor, with limited resources and complex conditions hindering the manufacturing process. Urgent humanitarian access is needed to enhance rehabilitation services, especially for vulnerable groups like children and individuals with disabilities.
To support Humanity & Inclusion’s efforts in Gaza, visit their crisis appeal page at the provided link.