Afif is overcoming obstacles with rehabilitation

Standing Strong Again

Afif, a 42-year-old father from the West Bank, first noticed weakness spreading through his body. Doctors soon diagnosed him with an autoimmune disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome. Within days, he could no longer walk, lift a cup, or even move from his bed without help. The man who had spent his life providing for his family, as a manual laborer, suddenly depended entirely on his brother.

In mid-November 2024, Afif arrived in a wheelchair at a rehabilitation center supported by HI in Nablus. Through rehabilitation sessions provided by the HI team he relearned the most basic movements such as sitting up, taking his first steps, and feeding himself again.

Building mobility

Afif underwent intensive rehabilitation for the first 12 weeks, attending sessions almost every day. The team's primary focus was on preventing complications and establishing basic independence. The initial exercises included those to improve his range of motion, prevent joint stiffness and contractures, maintain respiratory function, and balance training to help him safely tolerate an upright posture.

These interventions were essential, as Afif arrived with severe weakness and was unable to stand or walk, being fully dependent of his caregiver for most daily activities.

His brother as caregiver

To maintain his progress, the rehabilitation team trained his brother to support him with exercises at home. Afif’s brother helped him practice exercises outside of scheduled sessions. He assisted him with activities such as transferring, feeding, dressing, bathing, and going to the restroom. He ensured continuity of care when movement restrictions and blockages at check-points made travelling difficult.

At home, the living room was transformed into a small therapy space — with chairs for balance practice, water bottles for strength training, and everyday tasks that helped Afif reconnect with his body. Even when travel wasn’t possible, home became a place of healing.

His first steps

With the support of a walker, Afif took his first steps. As his confidence and strength increased, he progressed to using a walking stick. And then, on a day he will never forget, he walked without any support at all. This was more than a physical milestone — it was the moment he reclaimed his life.

“At first, I thought everything was over. Now, I tell others that nothing is impossible if you keep trying.”

Afif still continues his home exercises from time to time to maintain his strength and independence.