Finding Hope Through Rehabilitation: Mohammed’s Journey in Cox’s Bazar

Finding Hope Through Rehabilitation: Mohammed’s Journey in Cox’s Bazar

Fourteen-year-old Mohammed Alam lives with his parents and four younger brothers in the Kutupalong Registered Camp. His father, Nur Alam, fled Myanmar in 1992 in search of safety in Bangladesh. Life in the camp has always been challenging, but for Mohammed, the struggle began at birth.

Born with Spastic Cerebral Palsy affecting all four limbs and accompanied by speech difficulties, Mohammed could neither move nor sit independently, and he could not communicate like other children. He relied entirely on his parents for eating, washing, and toileting. Over the years, Nur and his wife often felt helpless, watching their son’s challenges grow, unsure where to turn for support.

HI Steps in with Tailored Rehabilitation and Mental Health Support

In 2025, during a household assessment, an HI rehabilitation officer working on the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM)-funded project identified Mohammed as a candidate for therapeutic services. Following a detailed, individualized evaluation, he was officially enrolled in rehabilitation on June 26, 2025. The assessment revealed severe spasticity in all four limbs, along with difficulties in speech and emotional regulation.

A comprehensive care plan was developed for Mohammed, integrating functional rehabilitation, protection, and emergency mental health support. The multidisciplinary team focused on enhancing his mobility, coordination, and communication, while also addressing secondary health complications.

Since then, Mohammed has attended seven therapy sessions, and his parents have received training to carry out exercises at home. He has been provided with therapeutic tools, including a lighting ball, xylophone, and plans for a customized wheelchair. The HI team introduced passive limb exercises, facial massage, and playful activities designed to stimulate his responses and engagement.

Therapy-Supported Progress Demonstrates Pathway Toward Independence

“When my son started therapy, I began to notice small but meaningful changes,” said Nur Alam. “He now responds when we call his name and uses gestures to express his needs. These improvements give us hope.”

With daily practice using illustrated guides provided by HI, Mohammed’s neck control and hand coordination have steadily improved. He can now sit with moderate support and respond to both visual and auditory cues. His functional score has risen from 12 to 18, reflecting tangible progress toward greater independence.

“Seeing my child smile gives me strength,” Nur Alam added. “We dream that one day he will walk and live with confidence. We are deeply grateful to Humanity & Inclusion and the BPRM project for showing us that progress is possible.”