Case Study

Samuel's Story

 
A group of children disfigured by Noma

"Children in my village used to tease me and laugh at me", said Samuel, a delightful seven year-old from the Harar region of Ethiopia. He became a victim of Noma when he was just four years old. He is an only child and lost his mother when he was five, so now he is looked after by his father.

Last year, Samuel started school but the other pupils would not include him in their activities.

"At break time, I wanted to play and shout with them. But no-one would come near me. If I tried to join in, they would beat me. So, I had no choice but to sit and watch them while they played. In the classroom no-one sat beside me. All the children stared at me as if I was from a different planet. Eventually, I was forced to stop going to school".

Samuel's father found his son's condition difficult too.

"I used to get offended when I saw the segregation my little son faced. People were scared to approach him, fearing that the disease was contagious. No-one would eat or play with him. I used to worry who would look after him if I were to die. I tried twice to remarry but both women refused to look after Samuel".

Samuel's father heard people in a similar condition were being registered in Harar for treatment. He took Samuel along and two weeks later they were brought to Addis Ababa for treatment. Samuel was assessed by the medical team from Europe and was given nutritious food to help him build up his strength before his operation.

The surgery he underwent has changed Samuel‘s outlook on life.

"No more terrible face! My face is still swollen but the swelling will go down soon. I am so happy. When I go back home I can go to school again and play with the other children. I'm sure they will play with me because now my face is no different from theirs"

His father is overjoyed too.

"My son and I will no longer cry together as now he will be able to make friends and lead a normal life".