Conditions Leading to Disability in Developing Countries

80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries — UNPD

 

Fractures and Broken Bones

Broken bones or fractures often mean a lifelong disability for those in the developing world due to a lack of basic initial treatment. Commonly caused by falls, especially in children between the ages of five and 14, bone fractures can cause injuries that affect mobility.

In Honduras, a 13-year-old named Ivan has fractured at least 10 bones in his body due to osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition also known as brittle bone disease.

Ivan, who lives with brittle bone disease, being carried by his mother over rocky terrain.

Ivan lives with his parents and two sisters in Palca, a small village in Honduras. Ivan's father, Francisco, works as a coffee farmer, earning a modest $8 per day to support his family of five.

Ivan's mother, Fatima, takes care of Ivan and carefully carries him wherever he needs to go. However, this becomes more difficult as Ivan is a growing teenager.

But there is good news for Ivan and his family.

Read more of Ivan's story on our blog.