Ahmed from Karachi, Pakistan

Meet Ahmed, a resilient 7-year-old boy facing a multitude of challenges due to hearing loss, visual impairment, seizures, and behavioural issues stemming from meningitis. Despite these obstacles, Ahmed’s determination shines brightly.Ahmed’s mother, committed to providing him with the best possible care, sought assistance not only from the free government hospital but also from a compassionate MAITS Community Health Worker (CHW). This collaboration has been pivotal in Ahmed’s journey toward holistic well-being.

Going beyond clinical support, the CHW serves as a guiding force for Ahmed’s family. By imparting simple yet effective techniques, the CHW empowers Ahmed’s mother to engage him in play and small household tasks, fostering his independence and growth.Through their steadfast support and advocacy, the CHW ensures that Ahmed receives comprehensive care tailored to his needs. This collaborative effort underscores the transformative potential of community-based care and compassionate support.

Bethany Kids, Kenya

In February 2023, MAITS supported trainers Cath Barton and Ruth Stevens with a grant to deliver APT training in Kenya.

APT (Appropriate Paper-based Technology) is a low-cost, sustainable solution to making therapy equipment and toys for children with disabilities.The purpose of the training was to upskill staff working for the charity BethanyKids, in techniques which support the postural management of children with cerebral palsy. This includes identification and measurement of children who would benefit from a specialised seating device or standing frame, prescribing appropriate devices and equipping staff with the skills to handmake the bespoke devices in the APT workshop.This training was delivered to 12 local Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists and 4 APT workshop staff.

BethanyKids Training Coordinator, Jessica Matumbi, sends this message:

“We are now equipped with the latest evidence-based knowledge on Cerebral Palsy and postural management. The therapists and APT technicians are already sharing what they learned with other therapists and the community through continuing education presentations and hands-on training. Our new APT workshop is up and running, and we have almost completed our first device for a 5-year-old child greatly in need of an appropriate postural device. We plan to serve at least 5 children a month with APT devices, which means at least 60 children per year! We are hopeful this number will increase as we establish our workshop and build experience, support, and partnerships. Since BethanyKids also has a presence in 7 other African countries, we have the potential to expand our APT programme across the continent, to serve many more families in need.”

AG from Uganda

AG, a 3-year-old girl with cerebral palsy (CP), suffered from severe malnutrition due to vomiting during meals. Due to limited medical support, AG’s development regressed, scoring poorly in daily activities and weighing only 5.7kg. However, intervention by a MAITS Trained Village Health Worker (VHT) resulted in significant improvements. AG’s health and happiness improved as she no longer experienced recurrent chest infections, diarrhoea, or skin wounds. She began engaging in play, enjoying mealtime without vomiting or distress. Financial burdens decreased as medication costs reduced, allowing for investment in nutritious food and regular therapy sessions. AG’s development progressed, with improved feeding habits leading to weight gain to 7.2kg. The VHT visits proved transformative, benefiting AG, her family, and overall well-being.

Maham Gul, Community Health Worker from Karachi, Pakistan

“Since I took MAITS training, I feel capable of teaching children how special they are. I help children with disabilities such as autism, down syndrome, or children with learning difficulties.”

Watch the full interview with Community Health Worker, Maham Gul, who talks about her experience after one year of completing the MAITS Community Health Worker Empowerment Programme.

Shrishti Special School in Bangalore, India

In April 2022, Shristi Special Academy in Bangalore embarked on their Community Health Worker (CHW) training initiative, successfully training 15 CHWs. This effort marks a significant step forward for the academy in expanding their reach and impact within the community.

Notably, Shristi Special Academy’s journey in CHW training began with their participation in MAITS training programme facilitated by Tamahar Trust and funded by Hinduja Foundation, India. Through this collaboration, MAITS trained two therapists from the Shrishti Academy on the MAITS Packages to qualify as trainers. These therapists then went on to train an additional 15 CHWs, further extending the programme’s reach and influence.

The commitment of Shristi Special Academy to empowering CHWs underscores their dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for individuals with special needs in Bangalore and beyond. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of partnerships and capacity-building initiatives in fostering sustainable change within communities.