Affordability of Prosthetics: HAPI Calls for Government Intervention during Amputee Awareness Month

As Amputee Awareness Month draws to a close, the Hope Alive Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) has taken the opportunity to bring attention to the issue of prosthetic affordability for amputees. During an event organized in collaboration with Danikal Management Consult and SUN-TECH Prosthetics LTD, Aver Akighir, the founder and Executive Director of HAPI, called on the government to subsidize the cost of prosthetics for amputees.

The event, themed “Inspire to Elevate,” aimed to create awareness about the challenges faced by amputees in Nigeria and to provide a platform for amputees to share their experiences. Akighir pointed out that integration after the loss of limbs and access to assistive devices, particularly the high cost of prosthetics, were major challenges for amputees.

One amputee, Joshua Hope, spoke about the difficulties she faced due to the expensive nature of prosthetics. Unable to change her prosthetics every five years, as recommended, due to the cost, she suffered harm to her body and was finding it difficult to continue using them. Eva Chisom, another amputee, shared her experience of discrimination in the workplace and called for more inclusion and acceptance of persons with disabilities.

Chukwunyere Kelsey Nwosu, an amputee and ICT expert, encouraged other persons with disabilities to learn a skill that would help them stand independently and become what they desire to be. He advised new amputees and yet-to-be amputees to see disability as another phase of life and to confront their challenges head-on.

Comrade Chris Obiora Agbo, The Executive Director of The Qualitative Magazine, commended HAPI and Amputee Coalition of Nigeria for their efforts and called on the government, well-meaning Nigerians, and companies to support amputees in areas such as prosthetics.

The event also saw SUN-TECH Prosthetics LTD educate amputees about prosthetics and how to get the right prosthetics for themselves. Overall, the event served as a reminder of the struggles faced by amputees in Nigeria and the need for government intervention in making prosthetics more affordable.

As we mark the end of Amputee Awareness Month, let us continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of amputees in Nigeria and work towards a more inclusive society.