This child had suffered horrific burns to his feet, in particular his right foot, after wandering into the smouldering ruins of a row of houses that had been torched by police during OM. His foot was still bleeding and he was unable to walk three months after the incident. The mother was battling to find accessible, affordable health care for her child. Update June 2006 The authors had organised access to a surgeon and a health programme for this child. He has made good progress in the last six months. The toes on his right foot had been completely dislocated as a result of the burns – this can be seen in the photograph, where the toes appear as strange appendages on top of the foot. The surgeon recommended amputation of all the toes once the foot was sufficiently healed. In May 2006, the amputation of all the toes on his right foot took place. Prior to amputation, the child had healed sufficiently well to walk and play but could not wear a shoe as his foot was deformed, especially by the toes in a row on top. His peers are very empathetic and protective of him, and socially he seemed to have adjusted well to his situation. The family is still based in Victoria Falls, where the father of the child is a curio seller. They do not have permanent lodgings. Photos 17 and 18: Twenty three people live in 6 shacks built inside one semi-constructed house in Victoria Falls: no roof, floors or services. 66

Select target paragraph3

Add to table of contents