Muhammed is a 59-year-old earthquake survivor. Originally from Hatay, he was forced to relocate to Sakarya with his family after the devastating earthquakes in 2023. During the disaster, Muhammed lost his son and his son’s entire family. Today, he lives with his wife and his daughter, who was born in 2007 and has Down syndrome.
Last year, while working on a construction site, Muhammed fell from the second floor and suffered severe injuries. He underwent several surgeries due to multiple fractures across his body. Despite these operations, the seriousness of his injuries has left him unable to work. The situation was further complicated when his employer refused to take responsibility for the accident and did not provide adequate compensation.
Muhammed requires regular hospital follow-ups for his ongoing health condition. However, the family’s limited Turkish language skills make it difficult to schedule hospital appointments and manage medical procedures. As a result, the family has faced significant barriers in accessing healthcare services as well as meeting their basic needs.
Through the case management and support services provided by ADA Türkiye partner Young Life Foundation, co-funded by the EU and BMZ, Muhammed’s situation was assessed in detail. His medical records were reviewed, hospital appointments were organized, and interpretation services were provided during medical visits.
Due to the family’s financial hardship, food assistance was provided several times through local aid organizations. Winter clothing was also supplied, and Muhammed received information about his legal rights regarding the workplace accident.
After health insurance coverage for Syrians was discontinued at the beginning of the year, support was provided to secure an appointment with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and prepare the necessary documents to reinstate health insurance for Muhammed and his daughter.
This comprehensive support helped ensure regular medical follow-ups, improved access to essential services, and strengthened the family’s ability to meet their basic needs. As a result, the family experienced a significant improvement in both their physical and psychological well-being.
Co-financed by the European Union Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), ADA Türkiye was established in 2021 to ensure long-term coordination and sustainable cooperation. To date, the initiative has reached over 120,000 people through protection services, provided earthquake-related assistance to approximately 31,000 individuals, and implemented over 3,000 activities to promote social cohesion between communities.
