A testament to the power of resilience: Dahir walks again!

Access to healthcare is one of the most fundamental human rights. For migrants, who often face significant hardship and danger on their journeys, accessing quality healthcare is not just important - it is lifesaving. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina recognizes this need and works to support migrants’ health and dignity at every step of their journey. 

Dahir’s story stands as a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and resilience. A father of seven from Somalia, Dahir’s story began with the hope of securing a better future for his family. In October of last year. While embarking on a perilous journey in search of safety, he suffered severe frostbite - which resulted in severe tissue damage and life-threatening injuries. 

By the time Dahir reached the Temporary Reception Centre (TRC) at Blažuj near Sarajevo,his condition was dire. IOM’s dedicated health unit, together with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public health institutions, aided him with life-saving treatment at the Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, where doctors acted swiftly to treat his severe wounds. Unfortunately, Dahir lost his left leg - a difficult but necessary measure to prevent further complications. 

Dahir’s recovery was far from secure. His wound became infected, setting the stage for yet another battle. But the dedicated medical teams at the University Clinic and TRC infirmary were undeterred, providing attentive care throughout his hospitalization and long road to recovery. After many months of treatment and an unwavering sense of inner strength, Dahir finally began to heal - and regained a sense of hope. 

It was during a follow-up examination that Dahir received life-changing news. He was being considered as a candidate to receive a prosthetic leg. At first, he could hardly believe it. “I thought I would never walk again,” Dahir recalls, showing a photo of the stick that he had used and struggled with in place of a prosthetic. 

Working closely with the local health centre, IOM not only handled complex administrative procedures but also overcame significant financial barriers to secure a modern, custom-made prosthesis for Dahir. 

The rehabilitation journey has not been easy, but Dahir approaches it with remarkable determination. Each week, accompanied by a migration health assistant, he attends physical therapy, gradually regaining his strength and his ability to walk. The transformation has been nothing short of miraculous. “I’m so happy. I thought my life was over. When I heard that my leg would be amputated, I almost gave up. But thanks to the dedication of the medical teams, I feel alive again,” Dahir shares, a smile lighting up his face as he talks about his dreams of returning to a fulfilling career as a videographer and musician. 

“The scope of IOM’s engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina goes far beyond individual cases. In partnership with local healthcare authorities in Sarajevo and Una Sana Cantons, IOM ensures that all migrants in TRCs receive a comprehensive array of services: family medicine, mental health support, pediatrics, dental care, laboratory services, and, when needed, timely referrals to higher levels of care at cantonal and local hospitals”, remarks Michael J.F. O'Mahony, Deputy Chief of Mission at IOM in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  

According to IOMBIH Annual Report, during 2024, IOM’s Protection and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) team conducted more than 22,000 emergency vulnerability screenings, leading to the identification of 6,873 persons with protection risks and needs, and the provision of more than 4,700 referrals to specialized services such as medical and mental health services or legal assistance. 

From October 2024 to March 2025 alone, a total of 5,361 medical screenings and 5,021 medical consultations were conducted in the TRCs with 547 individuals referred to specialized healthcare. Almost 400 pediatric examinations were carried out, and over 300 people received mental health support, and 2,896 newly arrived migrants were assisted with care they needed. During that time, the total number of beneficiaries assisted reached 3,171.  

Today, standing tall on his new prosthetic leg, Dahir embodies the very spirit of resilience. His journey is a powerful reminder that when humanitarian organizations, public health systems, and communities unite, lives are transformed - not just saved. By safeguarding every migrant’s right to health, it paves the way to empower new beginnings. 

*This intervention was made possible with support from the European Union-funded project, 'Individual Measure to Strengthen the Response Capacity to Manage Migration Flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

** Names have been altered to safeguard the anonymity of individuals. 

This story was written by Majda Balić, mbalic@iom.int.