Aid cuts: Asma, who relearned how to walk, is left with no support

Content warning: mentions of suicidal thoughts.

28-year-old Asma has been displaced for a long time in Kabul, and her household’s finances are very difficult. She once owned and worked in a beauty salon and supported her family. Since developing a disability, she has been unable to work. What worsens her situation is that the rehabilitation services that restored her mobility are no longer available to her.

Aid cuts erase mobility progress

Asma first arrived at the HI center in a wheelchair. Physical therapy and assistive devices moved her first to elbow crutches, then to one crutch, and eventually to walking on her own, at least to some extent. She says the staff offered emotional encouragement as well as treatment, which helped her regain hope.

But she has recently suffered complications, including foot injuries and diabetes-related problems. Since the program closed, she has found no alternative to the lost services. Her relatives and friends are also struggling, and small loans are unsustainable without an income.

The cost is unbearable for her family

A private hospital refused to treat her, repair her crutches, or provide physical therapy without upfront payment. Her family sold most of its household belongings to pay for treatment and has nothing left to sell. Care costs now crowd out food, education, and other basics, and she says the strain has created tension at home.

“I feel hopeless. It became overwhelming, and I thought about suicide. For now, I am just sitting at home and waiting, because there is no hope, no services, and no assistance. I fear my health will worsen.”

Her message to policymakers:

“Aid decisions should respect the rights to health, education, and livelihood, and people with disabilities should be prioritized for health and rehabilitation services.”