Mr. Khamphong has been living with a disability since 2006, when he lost mobility due to health issues with his leg. He runs a cattle operation to generate income, with the support of Humanity & Inclusion.
Mr. Khamphong lives in the Houphan Province in eastern Laos. Before he acquired a disability, he made a living from farming and selling seasonal forest products he collected. He was very involved in his community and even served on his village’s security team.
In 2006, at the age of 23, he developed acute gout in his left leg and needed surgery. His health worsened when he developed a post-surgical bone infection in his ankle.
Today, at the age of 39, Mr. Khamphong has a deformity in his leg that causes him great pain and reduces his mobility. His income has decreased because he can’t work as much, and he can no longer carry out his duties on the security team.
"People with a disability have a much harder life than others,” Mr. Khamphong says. “It's not funny when someone mocks you by imitating the way you walk. We can do a lot of things. We just need support to improve our living conditions."
To generate more income, Humanity & Inclusion has provided Mr. Khamphong livelihood support for his cattle operation.
Despite his limited mobility, Mr. Khamphong has never given up and works hard to support his family. In addition to raising cattle, he dreams of opening to a motorbike repair shop to earn more money to support his family.