The Misaytif family is currently facing a challenging situation as they struggle to survive in a tent provided by their relatives in the shelter camps of Idlib, where civilians have sought refuge due to the attacks by the Assad regime in Syria. Their 14-month-old child, Muhammed, was born without legs and arms, and the family is desperately awaiting help and support.
Muhammed, unable to engage in playtime with other children due to his physical condition, spends most of his day in the company of his cat, finding solace and companionship. Halit Misaytif, Muhammed’s father, shared in a statement that his son was born without arms and legs, requiring constant care and attention.
“Mohammed needs constant care and attention. He needs to be held all the time. We are living here in the camp, where we cannot protect him from the heat in summer and the cold in winter,” expressed Misaytif, voicing the challenges they face in providing adequate care for their child in the camp environment.
“I struggle to find milk for my child,” he added, highlighting the difficulties they encounter in securing essential supplies for Muhammed’s well-being.
Halit Misaytif, who himself has mobility issues due to injuries sustained during the attacks by the Assad regime, expressed his unemployment and the challenges he faces in providing for his family. “I cannot find work. I struggle to find milk for my child. The prices of medications have skyrocketed compared to before. I hope Muhammed can continue his life like all other children,” he shared with a sense of hope and determination.
Emphasizing the limitations Muhammed faces in fulfilling his daily needs without proper support, Misaytif stated, “We find it difficult to provide him with milk, medication, and diapers. Hopefully, in the future, he will be able to go abroad and receive prosthetic limbs. All I want is for him to live like any other child. Hopefully, I can give Muhammed a happy life.”
The Misaytif family’s plight showcases the immense challenges faced by families in conflict-affected regions, especially those with children who have disabilities. Their story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for assistance and support to ensure the well-being and future prospects of children like Muhammed.
It is our collective responsibility to extend a helping hand, advocate for their rights, and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with disabilities and their families, where they can access the necessary resources, healthcare, and opportunities for a better future.
