Abdu S., 20

Abdu Salam is a hardworking 20-year-old Rohingya youth who lives with his wife, elderly ailing mother, and extended family in Kutupalong Refugee Camp. Following his father’s death, he became the family’s sole breadwinner and earns approximately BDT 7,000 (around USD 57) per month as a day labourer, which is barely enough to meet their basic needs and his mother’s medication costs. After sustaining facial trauma, he developed a displaced mandibular fracture with severe jaw pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty opening his mouth, chewing, and speaking, making specialized treatment essential. With no savings and no nearby government hospital able to provide the required treatment, his family cannot afford the costs of hospitalization, surgery, medicines, and follow-up care. Without timely treatment, the fracture may heal improperly, leading to permanent jaw deformity, difficulty eating or speaking, infection, and long-term disability that could prevent Abdu Salam from continuing to support his family. The family learned about Helpster Charity through a medical outreach program at Kutupalong and sought assistance for his treatment.

Doctors have advised admission, pain management, necessary investigations, and surgical fixation of the mandibular fracture (ORIF) under anesthesia. With timely treatment and proper follow-up, the prognosis is good, with expected recovery of normal jaw function, speech, and chewing ability. However, if left untreated, the patient may develop chronic pain, facial deformity, infection, malunion, airway compromise, and other severe complications, which may lead to permanent disability.