Capacity to Contribute: Supporting People with Physical Disabilities in Eastern DRC through Provision of P&O and Related Orthopedic Interventions Imbedded in a Comprehensive, Community Based Approach

Implementing Partner: Christian Blind Mission

Funding Period: April 2011 – March 2014

Funding Amount: $1,995,696

Purpose: Provide treatment opportunities and access to mobility and orthopedic services and equipment for people with disabilities in Kinshasa and Bunia

Objectives

• Train Category II Orthoprosthesists will undertake 3 years of training at an ISPO certified school, increasing the quality and capacity of the prosthetics and orthotics workshops in the DRC
• Produce prosthetics and orthotics, meeting recognized standards
• Produce wheelchairs for people with cerebral palsy
• Provide wheelchairs and crutches to people needing these devices
• Train community based rehabilitation agents regarding the availability of services, referral mechanisms, early detection, follow- up, and family/community inclusion
• Undertake orthopedic surgeries, club foot operations and Ponsetti treatments, and physical therapy sessions
• Train orthopedic officers to supervise and delivery necessary care, perform basic surgical procedures, and assist orthopedic surgeons

This project provides people with mobility related disabilities, including victims of war and violence, with better access to surgical interventions and treatment; appropriate prosthetics, orthotics, and wheelchairs;, and physical therapy. The project trains orthopedic specialists and orthoprothesists to increase the in-country capacity to produce prosthetic and orthotic devices, as well as to provide treatment to people with disabilities. It also trains community based rehabilitation workers to identify and refer patients to services, as well as to provide follow-up support. These workers can also help ensure that people with disabilities are included in the family and community. In planning and implementing these activiites, the project seeks the participation of the community and people with disabilities.