In the developing world, losing a leg is devastation - because the ability to walk
Engaging communities and transforming lives ...
LIMBS is the only nonprofit organization in the world that provides a full leg prosthetic system as well as a rehabilitation program to improve the quality of life for amputees and their families.
LIMBS is the only nonprofit organization in the world that provides a full leg prosthetic system as well as a rehabilitation program to improve the quality of life for amputees and their families.
It's All About AccessOnly 5% of the approximate 30-40 million amputees in the developing world have access to prosthetic devices or assistance. Through our extensive network of hospitals and clinics around the world, LIMBS provides patients with prosthetic limbs (above and below the knee) as well as rehabilitation services to improve their lives, which positively impacts their families, friends and communities.
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The ChallengeIn developing countries, two feet are often the only means of transportation. For amputees, the loss of a leg is just the beginning of long term suffering that impacts their lives: They are the victims of accidents, infections, substandard medical care, diabetes, war and natural disasters. Cultural stigmas and extreme poverty marginalize amputees even further, often forcing them to become social outcasts, homeless and beggers.
In industrialized countries, the cost of high-end prosthetic leg systems range from $10,000-$80,000 and rehabilitation services are widely available. However, in developing countries, prosthetics are generally unavailable, unaffordable, and rehabilitation programs rarely exist. Unfortunately, where assistance is available, amputees do not have the resources to pay for the help they desperately need. The average daily income is only $2. Amputees can’t afford to travel to clinics, or pay for lodging, a new limb and a prosthetist to fit them. The disparity between the need and available solutions leave millions of amputees without hope of ever regaining their mobility, independence, and dignity ... But there is hope... |
HOW WE TRANSFORM LIVESLIMBS International provides a holistic approach to patient care:
Technology: By designing and manufacturing ultra low-cost prosthetic devices, LIMBS has bridged the gap between affordability, functionality and durability. Costing less than a smartphone, our revolutionary LIMBOX includes all the components needed to fit an AK (above-the-knee) amputee, including the patented LIMBS Knee, pylon, hardware, a LIMBS/Niagara foot. (A local prosthetist will fit the patient with a custom socket.) Rehabilitation: A prosthetic leg is just the beginning of restoring an amputee. Our Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program provides patients with physical therapy, counseling, social reintegration and advocacy. LIMBS trains teams of volunteer therapists to educate patients about how to care for their devices, exercises to enhance flexibility and strength, and techniques for dealing with the emotional challenges associated with limb loss. |
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