Rehabilitation Story of Otita Joshua – Akua Village, Katrini Subcounty
Five-year-old Otita Joshua lives with his parents, Anguyo Jovian and Rizoyo Florence, in Akua Village, Katrini Subcounty. Otita is a Primary One pupil at Akua Primary School, but his journey has not been easy.
According to his mother, Otita was born healthy. But when he reached about one year and eight months, Rizoyo began to notice something was not right.
“My son started complaining of pain in his knees and ankles,” she says. “After some time, his legs became weak and began to bend in a V-shape.”
The family wanted to seek treatment but had no money.
“We regarded his condition as a misfortune or maybe God’s will. We did not know what to do,” Rizoyo explains.
One day, the VHT of Karaa Village, Mr. Boniface, informed them about a disability diagnostic camp organised by LABE. With hope, the family took Otita to the camp. He was selected as a beneficiary and referred to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
There, Otita received Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs), special devices to help straighten and strengthen his legs.
“I followed all the instructions the doctor gave us,” Rizoyo says. “The devices helped a lot. Otita no longer feels pain. He now walks to school by himself and has joined Primary One.”
Learning Beyond Treatment
Rizoyo says the support did not stop at the medical treatment.
“LABE also organised a sensitisation meeting at Katrini Primary School. I attended, and I learnt many things that helped me care for Otita,” she says.
She learnt about feeding children well, treating children with disabilities with love and respect, giving them positive names, and ensuring they go to school like other children.
“I shared what I learnt with my family and neighbours. We ensure to treat Otita and other children living with disabilities in the community with love and empathy,” says Rizoyo.
Grateful and Ready to Participate
“My message to LABE is one of gratitude and to request them to continue supporting children with disabilities and sensitising our communities. There are still many children suffering because their parents do not know what to do to help them. I am ready to participate in any sensitisation program if called upon. Thank you, LABE, for helping my child.”