electronicIraq.net

Direct Aid Initiative
Muna

Staff, Direct Aid Initiative

Nov 21, 2007



The Direct Aid Initiative is a project of Electronic Iraq intended to support Iraqis displaced as the result of the ongoing Iraqi crises through providing funds for crucial medical expenses.

Muna's house in Kut, a village southeast of Baghdad, was struck by a US missile in early April of 2003, during the US invasion. The explosion killed Muna's parents, as well as her four brothers. It also killed her infant daughter, whose name was "Iraq".

Muna was the only survivor. She had ten pieces of shrapnel in her body, from her big toe to her chest. Three pieces of metal were lodged in her head; the largest was five centimeters long. After three more months of operations, treatment, and physical therapy, Muna regained the ability to sit up and to move around. She still had problems with dizziness, and used a wheelchair most of the time. The doctors said that her case was the most tenuous case in the hospital.

Muna now has only partial hearing in her right ear, and suffers from chronic infections. She lost the use of her dominant hand after the explosion. Her left leg is mostly useless. And the surgery they performed to remove the shrapnel in her head could only remove the two smaller pieces. One piece (the largest) remains deeply lodged in her brain, because removing it would likely kill her.

Because of her brain injuries, she suffers from intense seizures when not medicated, often resulting in harm to herself or others. She dreads being alone, in case a seizure comes and there is no one there to help.  

With the help of her extended family, Muna was able to travel to Jordan, where she was approached by DAI team members in early 2007. DAI began to solicit funds for her needs and conduct initial assessments of her medical condition.

With the assistance of DAI team members, Muna relocated to a better apartment, where she is regularly visited by friends and DAI volunteers. Funds donated by DAI supporters in the US have purchased a refrigerator and a new toilet that have greatly improved her level of comfort and self-sufficiency.

Arrangements have been made with Caritas, the Catholic health service organization, for Muna to receive her anti-seizure medication for free on an ongoing basis, removing a significant factor in her ongoing suffering.

 In September, Muna began intensive physical therapy intended to relieve a dislocation of her shoulder caused by ongoing deterioration of her muscles. Additionally, DAI has arranged neurological tests and treatment intended to address her concerns about the continuing presence of a remaining piece of shrapnel in her brain.

In mid-November, Muna began a second course of intensive physical therapy, following a positive assessment from her doctor. She is also being considered for resettlement to the United States as a refugee.

Muna will continue to need extensive medical and psychological monitoring and support. Iraqi members of the DAI team in Amman will continue to work with Muna to assess her ongoing needs until she is resettled.

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