For the very first time in their lives, seven children with muscular weakness are now able to walk, following their participation in a dedicated physiotherapy program at the Pakistan Field Hospital-12 in Kabkabiya, North Darfur. This physiotherapy program, containing a strong element of awareness raising about muscular weakness disorders, included video tutorials highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities and encouraging the local community volunteers to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize community support for dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities, so that they become a valued member of the society.

 In addition, UNAMID Pakistan peacekeepers distributed 5 wheelchairs and 10 eyeglasses among disabled persons from the local community as part of activities organized to mark the UN International Day for Persons with Disabilities, annually observed on 3 December 2020.

 Fatima Siddique, mother of the disabled child Ahmed Ismail Saeed, commended the efforts of the Pakistani hospital team for their dedicated efforts in the rehabilitation of disabled of local community and underlined the importance of local community support in the rehabilitation process.

 Colonel Syed Waqas Bin Waris, Deputy Pakistan Contingent Commander, explained  that the rehabilitation of disabled persons and children with special needs came in the form of a phase rehabilitation programmed with focus on special children, aged between 4-8 years, spanned a period of over 12 weeks of dedicated medical care under supervision of a team of specialists. “Children who had slipped into paralysis were rejuvenated with focused medical care and walked on their feet on 3 December, coinciding with the global observance of the International Day for Disabled Persons, ”Colonel Waris stated reaffirming his intention to ensure that “under the umbrella of UNAMID, the Pakistan Contingent will extend all possible support to the local community for rehabilitation of disabled persons.”

 Above initiative, is part of UNAMID’s support to local communities in its Area of Responsibility.