NAIROBI, Kenya- In an exciting move towards advancing healthcare in Kenya, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has teamed up with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to develop a specialized curriculum for prosthetics and orthotics.
This initiative aims to boost local manufacturing of implants and train professionals in providing high-quality prosthetic and orthotic care.
The partnership’s primary objective is to create a robust curriculum for a Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
This program will address both the technical aspects of manufacturing these crucial devices and ensure that healthcare providers in Kenya are adequately trained to meet the population’s needs.
Reuben Thuo, Principal of JKUAT College of Health Sciences, emphasized the importance of this localized curriculum.
“Our goal is to empower the local industry to produce high-quality, affordable prosthetic and orthotic devices and to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of providing these services within the country,” Thuo stated.
Prosthetics and orthotics are vital for enhancing the mobility and functionality of individuals with physical impairments.
Prosthetics replace missing limbs, significantly improving the quality of life for amputees, while orthotics support and correct conditions such as spinal injuries or deformities.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 2022, five million Kenyans live with some form of disability, and three million lack access to appropriate Assistive Technology (AT) devices.
This lack of access severely impacts their mobility and limits their ability to participate in daily life activities.
Anthony Mukui, Program Manager at CHAI, highlighted the urgency of addressing this deficiency.
“The lack of appropriate infrastructure and equipment for maintenance and repairs further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly affecting their mobility,” Mukui explained.
The collaboration between JKUAT and CHAI is not just about education; it’s also about fostering local innovation and production.
By developing this curriculum, the partners aim to accelerate the local manufacture of high-quality prosthetics and orthotics, making them more affordable and accessible to those in need.
This initiative is a significant step towards reducing reliance on imported devices and creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem in Kenya.
It also aligns with broader efforts to enhance local capacity and self-reliance in the medical field.
