Chad: The only place to turn for disabled children

Families with disabled children receive little support in Chad. The child development centre at the Guinebor 2 Hospital is a vital source of help and hope.

Moussa is seven years old. He has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. For Moussa, his
condition makes it difficult for him to speak properly, and before his treatment
began, he couldn’t sit up or even hold something in his hand.

But at the child development centre at the Guinebor 2 Hospital (G2), he has been receiving music therapy and stimulation therapy, as well as mobilisation and physiotherapy exercises.

Not only can he now sit up, but he can also stand, and he is able to hold things – small steps, but significant ones for him and his family. The team have also been helping his parents to better understand Moussa’s condition.

A group session at the child development centre at the Guinebor 2 Hospital in Chad. A group of women and children sit in a blue hospital room with toys and therapy equipment including beds and walkers. — The centre runs two group sessions a week where families can meet for encouragement and support.

Cria, one of the physiotherapists, explains, “Moussa’s parents were really engaged in helping their son and that helped a lot. The fact that he can now stand up and also put his hand to his mouth means he has gained some independence that he didn’t have before.

“Some parents have lost hope due to their child’s reduced ability. But with time and effort, we can help their child make small improvements that help with day-to-day life.

“People comment how the hand of God is on Guinebor 2 Hospital. They say we treat people well, with love. We achieve things other centres don’t and that is because God is at work.”

Three men and a woman stand in a row. They all wear grey medical scrubs apart from one man in a yellow shirt. This is the team helping to care for children at the child development centre. From left to right: Mathieu, Cria, Osée, Jean. — The team helping to care for children like Moussa. From left to right: Mathieu, Cria, Osée, Jean.

The child development centre at G2 is the only one of its kind in Chad.

Currently, 122 children with disabilities are registered to receive integrated therapy here. Each session is subsidised by MAI, so that even the poorest family can afford treatment.

Thank you to those who are giving to this ongoing project. We hope to help even more families like Moussa’s in the future.

This story was included in our latest annual review. Read it online here, and find more inspiring stories of how our partners are bringing health and hope to those facing their hardest times.

Sign up to get the latest news and stories direct to your inbox