Batoul during one of the physical therapy sessions at Jad Charitable Society. Photo credit: Jad Charitable Society.

18 July 2024 – Syria’s crisis of more than 13 years has particularly affected the most vulnerable – including women, children and elderly people. Just one of the many stories of adversity belongs to Batoul, a 5-year-old girl from Idlib governorate. Her family had to leave their home in Idlib because of the ongoing conflict. They now live in the Al-Malaab area, in southern Hama.

Life was already tough, and illness made it even harder. Six months before Batoul was born, her 65-year-old father, Ahmed, began to show symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which affected his ability to work. To add to the family’s challenges, when Batoul was just 8 months old, she was diagnosed with a meningeal cyst on her spinal cord, which left her unable to walk.

Batoul remained untreated until she was 4 years old because her family was unable to afford the treatment. Then her mother learned from a neighbour about a WHO-supported health project with Jad Charitable Society. The nongovernmental organization’s medical team quickly reviewed Batoul’s case and arranged for the necessary surgery – free of charge.

The operation was successful, and for the first time in her life, Batoul was able to walk. This milestone transformed her physical abilities and restored her spirit, allowing her to start interacting and playing with her peers.

“Seeing my only child take her first steps felt like a miracle. It gave us hope amid our hardships,” says Reem, Batoul’s mother.

As well as medical treatment, Batoul has been receiving physical therapy and taking part in psychological support sessions at Jad Charitable Society, to ensure her overall well-being. She’s getting stronger every day, and her smile is brighter than ever. She’s counting down the days until she gets to wear a backpack and start school next year.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Syria Humanitarian Fund, WHO was able to support Jad Charitable Society in providing integrated health services to the most vulnerable groups in Hama and nearby rural areas. Launched in 2023, the one-year project provided 48 867 health-related services, including trauma care, surgeries, mental health support, physical therapy, assistive devices, and primary health care.

Batoul’s story of ultimately overcoming adversity is a reminder of the importance of continuing to support vulnerable populations. Ensuring that everyone receives the health care they need can let them overcome challenges and look forward to a brighter future.