A True Story - A 7 Year Old Boy in Ghana

ISOSS was formed in response to situations just like this one that require urgent action.. This 7 year old young boy was crippled by poliomyelitis in Mampong Akuapem. Though he lived with his biological parents, he was separated from the rest of the family. His room had a ragged mat for him to sleep on. The poorly built roof allowed rain water to freely pour into the room.

Since he is paralyzed from the waist down, he required help to go to the bathroom. Once every 2 to 3 days someone in the family would go to clean his soiled body (from feces, urine, etc...). A dirty rubber plate was where his food was placed. He had a bad cough from exposure to the elements and had constant skin infections.

A concerned relative reported the matter to village elders. This led to some other disabled people in the community gathering to pay the boy a visit. They contributed money to repair the boy's room and bought him a sitting chair, which made it easier for him to use the bathroom without soiling himself. They began taking turns visiting him daily; cleaning his plate, bathing him and changing his clothes. He was given a small spring bed and mattress and sheets, and then taken to Accra for treatment for his cough.

He learned how to use his upper limbs to mobilize himself. Now, he weaves baskets and sells them in Koforidua. Through a network of community support, simple furnishings and equipment and medical care, a neglected, non-mobile dependent has now become a mobile, productive member of his family and community.

This is one of hundreds of examples of how ISOSS helps. Find out how you can help, too.

©2007 ISOSS - All Rights Reserved.
Site: By His Design, LLC