Jasour – News Desk
An interesting paradox has been confirmed by numbers, showing that a significant percentage of short-statured individuals live in Egypt. Here are the details:
The prevalence of this phenomenon in Egypt has a genetic factor, as cousin marriages have been found to result in generations of short-statured individuals, sometimes leading to spinal growth issues. In modern times, poor nutrition has been identified as a leading cause. Children who rely on fast food and ready-made sweets and chocolates tend to be shorter and may suffer from dwarfism, unlike children who eat healthy food.
According to Dr. Walid Hindi, a psychiatry consultant, there is no single treatment for dwarfism. Instead, there are various treatments, some addressing bone growth disorders and others hormonal issues. The challenge with short stature is that treatment must begin before the child grows. Unfortunately, once the child matures, no treatment is effective, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Egypt has known short-statured individuals throughout its history, with a famous statue in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir of the dwarf “Sneb” who attained a high position in the state. It is estimated that Egypt has over 100,000 short-statured individuals, according to statistics. But what is their status, and what challenges do they face?
Short-statured individuals in Egypt face many challenges. Despite making some gains in recent years, they still encounter several crises and obstacles requiring solutions.
Egypt has known short-statured individuals throughout its history, with a famous statue in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir of the dwarf “Sneb,” who reached a high position in the state, serving as a funerary priest and royal treasurer during the reigns of Khufu and Djedefre. His statue was discovered in Giza in 1927, depicting him squatting with his tall wife beside him and his children in front.
A dwarf is defined as any adult whose height is less than 140 centimeters. Egypt has over 100,000 short-statured individuals, making up about one-third of the world’s short-statured population.
Essam Shehata, the President of the Egyptian Dwarf Association, attributed this to various factors, including genetic factors that can span generations, with the potential for reappearance after several generations. Additionally, cousin marriages contribute to its spread, though sometimes genetic mutations occur. Given the large number of short-statured individuals in Egypt and their varied causes, the association was established in 2012 to address their issues and communicate their needs to Egyptian society and relevant authorities.
One of the gains achieved by short-statured individuals in the past decade is their recognition in the latest Egyptian constitution, issued in 2014. One of its articles states that the state is committed to caring for individuals with special needs and short-statured individuals. This is the first time the term “short-statured individuals” has been directly mentioned in the constitution as a group within Egyptian society.
This recognition has led to some gains for short-statured individuals, previously unavailable to them. However, they still face many problems and challenges, which they aim to address by communicating with relevant authorities. This is especially important given the state’s recent focus on individuals with special needs through various projects and initiatives, most notably “Capable Differently.”
Essam Shehata believes that adding the term “short-statured individuals” to the article addressing special needs issues is a significant achievement. It has enabled short-statured individuals to join the ranks of those with disabilities and receive the associated rights, including the disability card. However, there are still many challenges they face, such as receiving social solidarity pensions only after turning 18, despite younger individuals being more in need due to their studies and needs, and their inability to enter the job market.
Another issue they face is accessing specially equipped vehicles for individuals with disabilities. Short-statured individuals are not allowed to drive these vehicles unless accompanied by a first-degree relative, similar to visually impaired or mentally disabled individuals. However, short-statured individuals are capable of driving, and the vehicles are suitable for their condition. The requirement is restrictive, especially since some may not have someone to drive for them, and they face difficulties using all types of public transportation due to the high steps on buses.
