It is catastrophic for children like 8-year-old Omar*.
In February, Omar and his brother Mahmoud*, 13, were on their way home from the market when an artillery shell hit their neighbourhood. By the time they got to the hospital, Mahmoud had been pronounced dead.
Omar was severely injured, with a double fracture in one of his legs and the loss of muscle in his other. Save the Children supported him through his operation, and his doctor says he will fully recover and will be able to walk within the next six weeks. But the emotional toll of losing his sibling and sustaining these injuries will likely endure long after the wounds have healed.
Omar's mother Fathiya* says he sometimes hopes for another explosion so he can play with his brother again in heaven.
Omar's father Hasib* is worried about the situation in Yemen. “The situation in Taiz is catastrophic for children. Every morning that my children go to school my heart feels heavy.”
Omar's mother says, “I want the world to alleviate the suffering of the children in Taiz. I wonder why a shell should kill a child who is just playing. This is the biggest crime, the biggest war that destroy mothers and children.”
Omar’s medical expenses were fully covered by Save the Children, including the medical follow-ups and all necessary medicine. Our teams provided him with psychological first aid and he will be referred for specialized centre for psychological support. He received a psychological support kit which includes toys, drawing materials and story books while his family got cash assistance, hygiene kits and shelter materials.
