Sierra Leone advances orthotics and prosthetics care through international collaboration
Date: 2026-03-27
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Sierra
Leone has made significant progress in strengthening its orthotics and
prosthetics (O&P) care capacity through a collaborative programme involving
government, academia, and international partners.
Chief
Minister and Chief Innovation Officer, David Moinina Sengeh, highlighted the
country’s journey in developing advanced assistive healthcare solutions, rooted
in a long-standing vision to improve access to modern prosthetic care.
The
initiative, known as the Sierra Leone Orthotics and Prosthetics Programme, was
developed in collaboration with researchers from leading institutions including
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The programme builds on years
of engagement between the Government of Sierra Leone and global experts in the
field.
A
key milestone in the initiative has been the training and upskilling of local
professionals. The country’s only diploma-level O&P practitioner has been
advanced to a bachelor’s degree level, while an additional 10 professionals are
currently undergoing training to become internationally certified clinicians.
These trainees are expected to be integrated into the national workforce.
The
programme has introduced advanced technologies, including the production of
carbon fibre prosthetics and customised devices for conditions such as
scoliosis, marking a first for the country.
It
also supports broader system transformation through policy development,
procurement improvements, and strengthened healthcare supply management, with
hundreds of patients already benefiting from enhanced services.
The
initiative traces its origins to recommendations made in the aftermath of
Sierra Leone’s civil war, which called for increased investment in orthotics
and prosthetics care to support affected populations.
Officials
say the programme represents a major step toward building a resilient and
inclusive healthcare system, while positioning Sierra Leone as an emerging
contributor to innovation in assistive technologies.
