Event Report - AVSI Foundation unveils the SwissLeg technology in Uganda

AVSI Foundation unveils the SwissLeg technology in Uganda

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We work with hospitals and orthopedic workshops in collaboration with technicians whom we train to master the technology so that they can transfer knowledge for the benefit of amputees - Filipo Nishino, President, SwissLimbs Association in Lugano.

Its 40% lighter, 30% cheaper, five times quicker to make.

With the SwissLeg technology an orthopaedic technologist is able to make and fit two artificial limbs a day.

SwissLimb and SwissLeg visited Uganda to transfer a new orthopaedic technology. Their visit was organized and hosted by AVSI Foundation.

In September 2016, the SwissLeg and SwissLimb teams visited the Gulu Regional Orthopaedic Workshop (GROW) in Gulu District and trained six technicians to become Certified Prosthetic Orthotists in the new technology influences functionality of the prosthesis and the final quality of the fitting.

The existing technology used to produce and fit artificial limbs for persons who have lost a leg due to war or accidents, requires annual maintenance, and replacement every 3 years. Replacements take approximately 5 days to process. With the new SwissLeg technology production and fitting of the limb can be done the same day.

The new limb is lighter, which supports faster movement and better mobility, and is more robust than the limbs produced using the traditional technology and materials. The materials which are used to produce the limb are cheaper than those using the original technology.

According to WHO, there are approximately 32 million amputees in the world. 80% of them in developing countries and only 5% of those are fitted with a suitable prosthesis.

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I am able to walk faster, even for long distances – Richard Ongom, 43 year old father of six from Oyam District was hit by a landmine on his way to a fish market and lost his right leg. Richard is now enjoying the comfort of his new limb which supports him to practice farming for home consumption and income to sustain his family.

In 1998 AVSI built GROW, the only orthopaedic workshop in northern Uganda, which is part of the Gulu Regional Rehabilitation Center and the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

Over 300 persons with physical disabilities caused by war, accidents and disease benefit from free treatment annually. Services include prosthetic limbs provision, orthopaedic appliances, physiotherapy, psychological support, income generating activities, life skills training and educational support.

The orthotics and prosthetics production for PWD is largely funded by the Trust Fund for Victims. In partnership with the International Federation of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, and Liliane Foundation AVSI also supports the medical rehabilitation and inclusive education of children with birth defects. AVSI raises awareness and works with PWD to advocate for disability inclusive development in health facilities, schools, communities, and the private and public sector while supporting children and schools through trainings, and monitoring of child inclusion.