Orthopedic surgeries and rehabilitation to restore lives
Duration: 2019 to 2021
Local Partner: Hospital for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children (HRDC)
Children and adults with physical disabilities in Nepal face many barriers to education and employment owing to the steep terrain, remoteness of villages, and cultural stigma about disability. This project will provide surgeries and rehabilitation to those persons with disabilities most in need, restoring lives so they can achieve their full potential like any other.
THE NEED
Civil war, lack of rural medical services, and the devastating earthquake in April 2015 have added to the number of children and adults living in Nepal with disability. Over a third of the population living with disability have a physical impairment. Many remain at home in isolation, unable to participate in community life or achieve their full potential.
Research indicates that more than 50% of physical deformities could be restored with surgery and medical intervention, however these services are limited and poverty prevents Nepalese in rural areas from travelling for surgery.
Families may support with essential items, but there is limited knowledge of rehabilitation services. In the absence of these services, persons with disabilities face a life of dependency, social exclusion and stigma.
HOW WE ARE HELPING
The main objective is to
- Provide children and adults in Nepal with orthopaedic treatment and rehabilitation.
Secondary objectives are to
- Identify children with physical disabilities living in remote areas through mobile clinics, connecting them to relevant services.
- Increase independence of children through corrective surgeries, physiotherapy and locally made assistive devices.