In the hard-to-reach district of Momand Dara in Nangarhar Province, where thousands of vulnerable families and returnees from Pakistan are trying to rebuild their lives, access to timely health care can mean the difference between lifelong disability and recovery.

Take Safa, a 12-year-old girl from Daka village. Six months ago Safa fell on a mountain near her home, fracturing her right elbow. Over time, as stiffness and muscle weakness restricted movement in her arm, everyday activities became increasingly difficult.

In communities where specialized rehabilitation services are often out of reach, injuries like Safa’s can lead to prolonged suffering and permanent disability. Fortunately, Safa was able to receive treatment.

At the WHO-supported Torkham Emergency and Trauma Treatment Care Centre, a fully-fledged trauma care centre funded by EU Humanitarian Aid, Safa received surgery, structured physiotherapy and regular follow-up care, allowing her to gradually regain strength and functional movement in her arm.

“I don’t know what words to use to thank Allah and express my gratitude to the staff and supporters of this health facility,” said Safa’s father. “The care my daughter received was beyond my expectations.”

Health workers at the trauma centre say stories like Safa’s inspire them to continue their work despite the challenges. “Seeing patients recover is very encouraging,” said Woleswal Himmat, a physiotherapy technician at the centre. “Continued donor funding and technical support from WHO enable us to deliver quality services, even in remote and hard-to-reach areas.”