The doors of the clinic opened, and a father rushed in, carrying his three-year-old daughter in his arms. Her abdomen was severely swollen, and she was in pain. But as the doctor began the examination, he noticed something else: Lujain was not standing like a child her age should. 

Standing beside the examination bed, the father looked at his daughter with a mix of love and despair. When asked about her ability to walk, he quietly said: “I don’t know if there is a solution for her, but I always wished my daughter could walk.” 

A Family’s Struggle  

Lujain comes from a vulnerable community located about 17 kilometers from Aleppo, where access to healthcare services is limited. Her family of six has already faced deep medical and emotional hardships. Tragically, her younger brother passed away at the age of three after being diagnosed with meningitis, and her sister lives with epilepsy. 

For Lujain, the path was different, yet equally difficult. Her father explained that he had never been able to seek medical care for her before. The high cost of treatment, combined with the harsh conditions of the conflict during the time Lujain was born, left them with no option but to watch her condition worsen in silence. 

A Diagnosis and a New Path  

After a thorough clinical assessment, the medical team identified the root cause. Lujain was suffering from “Congenital Hypothyroidism”. Simply put, her body lacked the essential hormones needed for growth and brain development from birth. Without intervention, this condition would severely affect both her physical and mental future. 

That moment marked the beginning of Lujain’s treatment journey, and the beginning of hope. 

Walking Towards Hope  

With proper medical care, medication, and consistent follow-up through the primary Health Care Program, Lujain gradually began to recover. Her father recalls the most beautiful memory of all: the day Lujain took her first steps. After three years of waiting and continuous treatment, she finally started walking. 

Today, Lujain is growing stronger. She walks, plays, and continues to show improvement. Her father, once filled with uncertainty, now speaks with hope: “My daughter has become like other children. She walks, and her growth is improving. I only hope her progress continues, so she can live a normal life.” 

Lujain’s story is a testament to what proper primary healthcare can achieve, even in the most challenging circumstances. However, there are still hundreds of children in communities most affected by the conflict in Aleppo waiting for a similar chance. 

Your support for our Primary Health Care Program ensures that no father has to watch his child suffer in silence. Join us in bringing hope to more families like Lujain’s. 

Note: Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.