Born with severely underdeveloped lower limbs, a twisted and contracted upper body, and fully nonverbal, Vitus can only groan in pain and frustration. He cannot sit, stand, or even turn himself over.

“Imagine the frustration and loneliness of existing in a world where you cannot ask for help, where your suffering is invisible to those who could make a difference,” said Maureen Roger Mosuyun, a local who visited Vitus at his simple home in Kampung Kibambangan, a remote village 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu.

The small house, with its dusty concrete floors, has the bare essentials but provides little comfort to Vitus or his caretaker, his sister Lucia. Sabah’s humid heat makes his prone position all the more unbearable.

Mosuyun first heard about Vitus through her parish priest, who visits him and Lucia to administer Holy Communion each month. These visits, though brief, are some of the few moments of connection Vitus experiences.

“He is bathed only once every few days, left to endure the discomfort and indignity of filth and sores. His body is fragile, his skin at risk of breaking down due to prolonged immobility and lack of proper care,” Mosuyun shared.

In addition, Vitus relies entirely on diapers, as he has no control over his bladder or bowels. Yet, diapers are a rare commodity for the family: with no consistent income, Lucia often cannot afford them, leaving Vitus to lie in his own waste for days at a time.

Indeed, the family’s financial situation is dire. Vitus’ brother, a rubber tapper, earns a meagre income and is paid only once every four to six months.

Lucia, meanwhile, is forced to rely on credit from a nearby sundry shop to obtain basic supplies. Her resources barely stretch to provide food, let alone adequate care for her brother.

According to Mosuyun, the family once received government welfare assistance, but that support was abruptly cut off after a change in administration.

“No explanation. No alternatives. Just silence. Now, he receives nothing. No financial aid. No medical assistance. No sustained help from NGOs. He has been entirely abandoned by the very system meant to protect the most vulnerable,” she said.

For years, Lucia has shouldered the burden of caring for Vitus without any formal training or resources. Every day, she moves him carefully to prevent worsening his condition.

Yet, without access to medical professionals or equipment like pressure-relief mattresses, his physical health continues to deteriorate.

And without financial aid, Vitus faces starvation, untreated pain, and worsening health. Regular assistance could ensure he is properly fed, receives critical medical care, and gains access to basic hygiene products like diapers.

Lucia, too, could afford much-needed support to ease the burden of her daily struggles.

For now, Vitus will continue to endure his days in silence. In the quiet corners of Kampung Kibambangan, his story stands as a poignant reminder of the unseen struggles endured by the most vulnerable.

Interested parties, especially welfare NGOs, who wish to help can contact Maureen Roger Mosuyun at 016-801 8861.