An eight-year-old Ukrainian girl, Matilda, has begun her journey to recovery after losing both legs below the knees due to an explosion during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Matilda arrived at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center's (KSrelief) prosthetic limbs center in Poland using a wheelchair, but with a glimmer of hope for treatment that could restore her mobility and improve her quality of life.

The tragic circumstances of the conflict in Ukraine have deeply impacted Matilda and her family.

Her parents struggled with the psychological ramifications of their daughter's injuries and the financial burden related to her care.

Following her injury, they found themselves overwhelmed and uncertain about the path forward.

KSrelief has addressed the urgent needs of war victims through its 'Prosthetic Limbs and Rehabilitation Program' initiated in Poland.

This program provides free services to amputees affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Upon coordination with the Polish Ministry of Health, Matilda was included in the program after a thorough vetting process for amputees seeking assistance.

Upon her arrival at the Prosthetics Center in Poland, Matilda underwent a comprehensive medical assessment, which laid the groundwork for her treatment plan.

This plan included detailed evaluations of her physical abilities, the specifics of her amputations, and her personal rehabilitation goals.

The team of specialists measured her limbs to craft prosthetics suited to her unique needs.

Before the installation of her prosthetic limbs, Matilda participated in a pre-installation rehabilitation program aimed at enhancing her physical fitness, improving muscle strength, and preparing her psychologically for the transition to prosthetic use.

This rehabilitation regimen also emphasized teaching her coping strategies and tools for adapting to her new circumstances.

After weeks of preparation, Matilda reached a significant milestone during the fitting of her prosthetics.

With assistance from the medical staff, she was able to stand for the first time since her injuries.

This moment marked a turning point in her rehabilitation, as her parents watched with tears of joy.

Now continuing her recovery, Matilda is learning how to walk and regain her independence through training sessions that include practical applications of her new limbs.

Specialized psychological support is part of her ongoing care, aiding her in adjusting to her new body image and enhancing her self-esteem.

The initiative by KSrelief is emblematic of Saudi Arabia's commitment to humanitarian efforts on a global scale.

Since its inception in 2020, the Prosthetic Limbs and Rehabilitation Program has provided support to over 109,000 individuals, delivering nearly 300,000 free services, including modern prosthetic devices and rehabilitation for individuals affected by conflict-related injuries.

Approximately 33% of the beneficiaries of this program are female, with the remainder male.

Data indicates that conflict-related injuries, such as those caused by landmine explosions and unexploded ordnance, account for about 76% of the cases treated under the program, highlighting the severe toll that armed conflict takes on vulnerable populations.

This ongoing humanitarian response underscores the critical need for support structures for individuals in war zones and post-conflict situations.