“My family…are my biggest motivation for recovery.”

Ab Zahir was bringing groceries home on his motorcycle when he was hit by a car and immediately lost consciousness.

A traffic policeman brought him to our Lashkar-Gah Surgical Centre. Originally set up for war victims, the needs of Helmand Province have changed as fighting has subsided in the region. Nevertheless, the specialist surgical care we provide is critical for the serious civilian trauma we regularly receive, like road traffic accidents.

Zahir’s right leg was seriously injured, requiring multiple surgeries to repair the bone fractures and soft tissue damage. It will take several more for his leg to regain its full function.

“Some days are tougher than the others,” he tells us with a smile. “I want to join my family as soon as possible. They are my biggest motivation for recovery.”