Fifteen-year-old Abdulrahman Bukar, while living with his uncle in Maiduguri, was physically abused, resulting in a burn on his right hand. He recalls the event of that fateful day when his uncle burnt his hand because he was accused of stealing food.
“While sleeping that morning, my uncle woke me up and said I would be punished for stealing so that I would not do it again. So, he brought burning charcoal in a container and asked me to open my right hand. I did in tears, and he poured the burning charcoal into my palms and forced me to hold it while it was hurting and burning me.”
Abdulrahman became bedridden and was only supported by a neighbor who had noticed his absence and learned about the incident. He took him to a nearby patent medicine store where the affected area was dressed, and some medications were administered.
Bintu, Abdulrahman mother was called upon from her base in Bama to Maiduguri. Upon arrival, she met Abdulrahman in a debilitating condition requiring urgent medical attention. She took him to Bama town to ensure he received proper care. Bintu and Abdulrahman proceeded to the child protection safe space managed by FHI 360, where the caseworker immediately referred them to the FHI 360’s clinic for medical attention. At the facility, Abdulrahman was febrile to touch with apparent signs of sepsis. He was admitted into the emergency room with the diagnosis of septic wounds and Burns. Care was instituted immediately, and he received appropriate medical attention for a period of 4-hours, during which the wound was dressed under aseptic techniques, and debridement was done. Abdulrahman was later scheduled for daily wound dressing and placed on oral antibiotics and vitamin C.
One month after admission, Abdulrahman was discharged from the clinic as recovered/healed and referred to FHI 360 child protection safe space.
In Bintu’s words, FHI 360 was helpful in a dire situation because it was a struggle to access basic care. “We never thought or imagined Abdulrahman would use his hand again. But thank God and all the staff involved in treating my child. May God bless FHI 360.” With USAID’s assistance, FHI 360 is helping individuals and families meet their healthcare needs in the face of increased vulnerabilities.
