Teen with deformed limbs lives in plastic tub

Teen with deformed limbs lives in plastic tub

A teenager's family is appealing for help to improve her quality of life, after a mysterious illness stunted her growth and left her with deformed limbs.

Rahma Haruna from Kano, Nigeria, was born healthy 19 years ago.

However, when she was six months old, her parents realised that she missed key developmental milestones - like not learning how to crawl.

Her mother told The Daily Mail UK: "She started with a fever and that was it. Then stomach pains. Then pain in her body parts, like arms and legs. She cannot use them if the ache strikes."

Rahma's limbs failed to develop properly and became deformed.

[[nid:322611]]

News.co.au reported that her father had exhausted the family's savings while searching for a cure, but doctors have been unable to diagnose her illness for the past 15 years.

The incapacitated teenager now depends on her family to take care of her daily needs. She is close to her 10-year-old brother, who bathes her and often brings her out to visit their relatives.

Whenever she leaves the house, Rahma has to be placed inside a plastic tub, and carried around by a family member.

After local media reported on the family's plight, they received a wheelchair so that it is easier for them to transport Rahma around the village.

By sharing their story, Rahma's family hopes that she would be able to live a better life.

The optimistic teenager also has a dream for the future - to open a store.

minlee@sph.com.sg

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.