Three-year-old Mustaq from Pakistan

Mushtaq lives in Gharo, in Sindh province, Pakistan. He is the youngest of five siblings and his father works as a farmhand and manual labourer.

In 2011 massive downpours destroyed Mushtaq’s village and submerged it in four feet of water.

Mushtaq’s family evacuated to save their lives. They later found refuge at a relief camp set up in a government boys’ school near Badin city.

Mushtaq already had poor health. His condition worsened after the family moved to the relief camp; he stopped eating, and would only breastfeed. Mushtaq was treated by a Save the Children doctor. After three visits to the doctor, he is feeling much better and has regained his appetite.

Hanif, Mushtaq’s father, says the floodings took a huge toll on his family.

“We left our home when the flood-water rose to a height of four feet. At first we moved to a higher area outside our village, then we walked for three hours to reach Badin city. I could only grab a few clothes and some bedding from our house,” Hanif said.

“Mushtaq has been very weak since he was born. Since we moved to the camp he has lost even more weight and has become lethargic as well. He doesn’t talk or play like other children his age do. When we arrived here I took Mushtaq to a local clinic but the medicines the doctor prescribed were too expensive.

“However, when Save the Children’s health team visited our camp, I took Mushtaq to the doctor for a consultation. The doctor was very kind and gave us free medicines. He also assured us that the team will continue to provide free consultations and medicines until Mushtaq fully recovers.”