In Mozambique, Juliana Carlito regains her mobility thanks to rehabilitation

Growing up with a disability

16-year-old Juliana Carlito, lives in the Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique.

Since the age of four, she has lived with a physical disability caused by paraparesis (muscle weakness) combined with a spinal deformity. This condition affects her mobility and her ability to carry out simple everyday tasks.

From a very young age, she has found it difficult to get around on her own. Every movement takes effort. This affects her social interactions as well as her access to education. Like many teenage girls her age, however, Juliana dreams of going to school, learning, and building a future for herself.

Support to regain her independence

Juliana’s situation changed when she was identified by HI teams during an awareness event. Following a comprehensive assessment of her needs, a personalized rehabilitation plan was put in place to help her regain some independence.

Juliana then began regular physical therapy sessions with HI’s teams. The organization also provided her with assistive devices: an adapted tricycle and a pair of crutches. This equipment enables her to get about more easily and safely, and to gradually regain her independence in everyday activities.

A future open to new possibilities

Thanks to this support, Juliana is making significant progress. Her physical abilities and balance are improving and she is regaining her self-confidence.

Little by little, she is managing to get around on her own within her community and to participate more fully in daily life. She has also resumed her studies, a goal that had previously seemed out of reach.

The assistive devices provided by HI are much more than just equipment: they provide access to education, promote social inclusion, and open up new opportunities.

“I am very pleased with the support I have received from the rehabilitation team, particularly the crutches, which help me carry out my daily activities and spend time with my family and friends,” explains Juliana.

In Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, HI is implementing a project aimed at improving access for conflict-affected populations to essential health, nutrition, mental health, and psychosocial support services, as well as rehabilitation services. The project organizes community awareness sessions to promote best practices in prevention and care and to strengthen the capacity of the local health system. It prioritizes pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five, adolescents, and people with disabilities. In total, more than 72,500 people are directly impacted by this intervention.