Project Proposal: Limb Restoration

1. Project Title

Limb Restoration: Providing Prosthetics for Survivors of War & Individuals with Congenital Limb Differences


2. Project Summary

The Limb Restoration project aims to restore mobility, dignity, and independence to survivors of war and individuals with congenital limb differences by providing high-quality prosthetics globally. This initiative focuses on individuals from war-affected regions, underprivileged communities, and those with congenital limb differences. Beyond prosthetics, the project offers physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and training for local technicians to ensure sustainable impact in various regions.


3. Background & Rationale

Millions of people worldwide have lost limbs due to armed conflict, landmines, accidents, and congenital differences. In many regions, prosthetic care and rehabilitation services are severely lacking or non-existent, leaving individuals without the ability to lead independent lives. Prosthetics are not only a medical necessity but also key to enabling survivors to regain a sense of dignity, self-worth, and economic stability. This project seeks to address these challenges by providing accessible prosthetics and rehabilitation globally, particularly focusing on the most underserved populations.


4. Objectives

  • Primary Objective:

    • Provide functional and affordable prosthetic limbs to 5,000 individuals globally who have lost limbs due to war, accidents, or congenital limb differences over the next five years.

  • Secondary Objectives:

    • Establish mobile prosthetic and rehabilitation units in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure to provide on-the-ground assistance.

    • Train local healthcare workers and technicians in prosthetic fitting, repair, and rehabilitation to ensure long-term sustainability.

    • Provide psychological counselling and support services for limb loss survivors and those with congenital limb differences to enhance social and emotional recovery.

    • Advocate for government policy improvements that enhance access to prosthetic care for all individuals.


5. Target Beneficiaries

The project will serve:

  • War and Conflict Survivors: Individuals affected by conflicts, particularly those in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.

  • Individuals with Congenital Limb Differences: Children and adults born with limb differences who face barriers to mobility and inclusion.

  • Local Healthcare Providers: Medical personnel and technicians who will be trained in prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation techniques, ensuring sustainability of the project.


6. Project Locations

The project will not be limited to specific regions, but will be adaptable to serve global locations based on need. Mobile prosthetic units and partnerships will be established in war-affected regions, under-resourced rural communities, and areas with limited access to healthcare services. Target regions include, but are not limited to:


    1. Africa: South Sudan, DR Congo, and Somalia

    • South Sudan: Decades of civil war have left the country with a large population of war amputees. Landmines and ongoing conflict have resulted in a high number of injuries, while healthcare infrastructure remains minimal.

    • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Ongoing armed conflict, particularly in eastern DRC, has resulted in many people losing limbs due to violence and accidents. The country also lacks adequate medical services for prosthetic care.

    • Somalia: Long-standing conflict with extremist groups and landmine contamination has resulted in many amputees. Access to healthcare, including prosthetic services, is extremely limited in many areas of the country.


    2. Middle East: Syria, Yemen, and Iraq

    • Syria: The Syrian Civil War, ongoing since 2011, has caused countless injuries, including limb loss due to bombings and landmines. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, and prosthetic services are scarce.

    • Yemen: Yemen’s civil war has devastated its healthcare infrastructure. Bombings, landmines, and other war-related injuries have left many people in need of prosthetic care.

    • Iraq: Years of war, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the fight against ISIS, have led to widespread use of landmines and IEDs, causing a significant number of amputations. Although some prosthetic services exist, they are often insufficient for the large number of individuals needing care.


    3. Asia: Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar

    • Afghanistan: Decades of war and conflict have left many people with limb injuries, particularly from landmines. The country has one of the highest rates of amputees in the world, and prosthetic services are in high demand but limited.

    • Sri Lanka: Although the civil war in Sri Lanka ended in 2009, the country still faces a legacy of landmines, particularly in the north. Many war survivors and individuals with congenital limb differences have limited access to prosthetics.

    • Myanmar: Ongoing internal conflicts in regions like Rakhine and Shan have led to many people becoming amputees due to war-related injuries. Access to prosthetic care is minimal, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.


    4. Latin America: Colombia, El Salvador, and Nicaragua

    • Colombia: Although the conflict with FARC has decreased, landmines and violence during the decades-long conflict have left many with war-related amputations. Colombia has one of the highest rates of landmine victims in Latin America.

    • El Salvador: The legacy of the Salvadoran Civil War and gang violence has resulted in many people with severe injuries, including amputations. The healthcare infrastructure for prosthetic care is limited, particularly for rural and low-income populations.

    • Nicaragua: Nicaragua has suffered from years of political instability, including violence that resulted in amputations. Limited healthcare infrastructure makes prosthetic services inaccessible to many who need them.


    Rationale for Selection

    • High number of amputees due to war, landmines, or civil conflicts.

    • Limited access to prosthetic care, rehabilitation, and psychological support.

    • Infrastructural challenges: These countries often lack the healthcare infrastructure and resources to adequately address the needs of those affected by limb loss.

    • Conflict-related injuries: Ongoing or recent conflicts have led to high rates of amputations and injuries, further highlighting the need for prosthetic care.


    • Mobile units will also be available to reach remote and rural communities globally.

7. Activities & Implementation Strategy

The Limb Restoration project will be carried out in the following phases:

  • Phase 1: Global Needs Assessment & Partnership Building

    • Conduct a comprehensive global needs assessment to identify priority regions.

    • Establish partnerships with local hospitals, NGOs, and international organizations to secure access and logistical support.

    • Engage with prosthetic manufacturers to secure a steady supply of quality prosthetic limbs.

  • Phase 2: Mobile Prosthetic Units Deployment

    • Launch mobile prosthetic and rehabilitation units equipped with technicians, psychologists, and rehabilitation experts to travel to regions in need.

    • Begin prosthetic production and fitting for war survivors and individuals with congenital limb differences.

  • Phase 3: Local Capacity Building & Sustainability

    • Provide intensive training programs for local healthcare workers and technicians on prosthetic fitting, maintenance, and rehabilitation.

    • Establish local workshops and repair centers for prosthetics to ensure long-term availability and sustainability.

  • Phase 4: Rehabilitation & Psychological Support

    • Offer comprehensive physical therapy and psychological counseling to beneficiaries to aid in physical recovery and social reintegration.

    • Create peer support groups to foster community and reduce the stigma of disability.

  • Phase 5: Advocacy & Policy Engagement

    • Engage governments and international bodies to advocate for improved policies regarding prosthetic care and the rights of individuals with disabilities.


8. Monitoring & Evaluation

The success of the Limb Restoration project will be evaluated through the following indicators:

  • Number of prosthetics distributed and fitted globally.

  • Number of local technicians and healthcare workers trained in prosthetic fitting and repair.

  • Improvement in beneficiaries' mobility, quality of life, and psychological well-being.

  • Advocacy efforts resulting in policy changes supporting individuals with limb differences.

Regular reports will be compiled on a quarterly basis to monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed. Annual external evaluations will be conducted to measure the overall impact and efficacy of the project.


9. Sustainability Plan

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, the following steps will be taken:

  • Local Training Programs: Training local healthcare providers ensures that knowledge and skills remain within the community, enabling continuous support for prosthetic users.

  • Partnerships: Collaborating with local and international organizations will ensure the steady supply of materials and logistical support for prosthetic services.

  • Mobile Units: The creation of mobile units allows flexibility to move to areas with urgent needs, maximizing reach and efficiency.


10. Partnerships & Collaborations

The project will collaborate with:

  • Global NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Handicap International, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

  • Local Hospitals and Clinics in conflict-affected and underserved regions.

  • Prosthetic Manufacturers to ensure the delivery of high-quality and affordable prosthetic limbs.

  • Government Entities to improve policy frameworks supporting individuals with disabilities.


11. Conclusion

The Limb Restoration project seeks to restore hope, mobility, and dignity to individuals affected by war, conflict, and congenital limb differences on a global scale. By providing accessible prosthetics, training local technicians, and advocating for policy change, this initiative will create a lasting and sustainable impact on the lives of thousands of individuals. Through strategic partnerships, a mobile approach, and a focus on long-term sustainability, Limb Restoration will address one of the critical healthcare challenges in vulnerable regions around the world.