But when I look at the lives of many suffering victims, I know I can't be so glib. I dare say that acute care, that is, the emergency response to mine injuries, including amputations and skin grafts, might be the easy job. Social reintegration and long-term care is much trickier. It is an understatement to say that most mine-affected countries don't look after their disabled citizens very well. Survivors are often abandoned, become beggars, and struggle against all odds to support their families.
Simple chores become huge tasks to someone with no feet.
And it doesn't help when you can no longer find work, are ostracized, and cannot access proper medical attention and rehabilitation. To make matters worse, few developing countries have laws to protect amputees against discrimination or exploitation, and there are virtually no psychological and social services for mine victims. Jerry White was a cofounder in 1995 of the Landmine Survivors Network and a friend of the late Princess Diana of Britain. Copyrighted by the Amputee Coalition of America. Local reproduction for use by ACA constituents is permitted as long as this copyright information is included.