The Syrian war has been raging for almost a decade now, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. Amidst the chaos and violence, the lives of innocent civilians have been shattered, and the most vulnerable among them have been left with life-altering injuries. The war has not only taken away their physical abilities but has also robbed them of their hopes and dreams. One such victim is Salam al-Hassan, a 43-year-old woman from Saraqib, south of Idlib city, who lost both her legs in a bombing.
Salam’s story is just one of the countless tragedies that have unfolded in Syria over the years. The conflict has left many Syrians with devastating injuries, ranging from limb amputations and burns to the loss of sensory functions. These injuries have not only caused physical pain and suffering but have also had a profound impact on the victims’ mental and emotional well-being.
Salam, who used to work as a nurse before the war, was caught in a bombing while on her way to the hospital. She woke up in a hospital bed to find that both her legs had been amputated. She was devastated and thought her life was over. But with the support of her family and the will to live, Salam refused to let her disability define her. She learned to walk again with the help of prosthetic legs and even started working as a nurse again, this time in a rehabilitation center for war victims.
Salam’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Syrian people. Despite the unimaginable horrors they have faced, they continue to fight for a better future. However, their struggles do not end with their physical disabilities. The limited attention and support they receive from civil society organizations have only added to their challenges.
In a country torn apart by war, the needs of the injured and disabled are often overlooked. The lack of resources and infrastructure has made it difficult for them to access proper medical care and rehabilitation services. Many of them are forced to rely on makeshift prosthetics or go without any treatment at all. This not only affects their physical health but also hinders their ability to lead a normal life.
Moreover, the stigma attached to disabilities in Syrian society has made it even harder for the victims to reintegrate into their communities. They often face discrimination and are excluded from job opportunities and social activities. This further adds to their feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
However, amidst all the challenges, there are individuals and organizations working tirelessly to support the injured and disabled in Syria. One such organization is the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), which has been providing medical care and rehabilitation services to war victims since the beginning of the conflict. SAMS has established several rehabilitation centers across the country, providing prosthetics, physical therapy, and psychosocial support to those in need.
Salam is one of the many beneficiaries of SAMS’s services. She received her prosthetic legs and physical therapy at one of their centers and is now able to walk and work independently. She is also a vocal advocate for the rights of the disabled and has been working with SAMS to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding disabilities in Syria.
The efforts of organizations like SAMS are commendable, but more needs to be done to support the injured and disabled in Syria. The international community must step up and provide the necessary resources to ensure that these individuals receive the care and support they need to lead a dignified life. Civil society organizations must also work together to create a more inclusive and accessible society for the disabled.
The Syrian war has left a lasting impact on the lives of its people, and the injuries sustained during the conflict will continue to affect them for years to come. However, with the right support and resources, they can overcome their disabilities and rebuild their lives. As Salam’s story shows, the human spirit is resilient, and with determination and support, anything is possible. Let us not forget the injured and disabled in Syria and do our part in helping them heal and thrive.
