Mohammad Abdul Hamid Daher lives together with his wife Manal and their nine children in a camp near Azaz in the northern countryside. “The tent doesn't protect us from the heat of summer or the cold of winter. We are also suffering from extreme poverty, especially since we lack sufficient aid. I cannot work because of my condition – I lost my hearing. This makes it very hard for my family and me, and we face many psychological, financial, and living challenges”, the 49-year-old reports.
Before he was forced to leave his home due to the heavy bombardment and destruction that hit his village in 2014, Mohammad lived in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. His hearing loss is not the only challenge the family is facing: Two of his children also have various health problems. Rahaf, the 13-year-old daughter, suffers from bone curvature, osteoporosis, and stunted growth. Son Alaa, 10 years old, also has osteoporosis, a hernia on both sides, and broken teeth. “I don’t know what to focus on – getting our daily needs or worrying about my children's health”, says Mohammad. People in north-west Syria are finding it increasingly difficult to get help. According to the UN, there are currently 4.2 million people in need of humanitarian aid, but less than a third of the funding needed will be available by 2024. There is not enough money to provide all the people who need help with basic needs like food, clean water and decent shelter.
