Prosthetics in Lagos and Ibadan Nigeria

Improving Access to Affordable Prosthetics Across Nigeria

Losing a limb can be devastating. But with the help of an artificial replacement, known as a prosthetic, amputees can regain mobility, independence, and an improved quality of life. However, for many Nigerians in need of prosthetics, access is extremely limited, especially for quality devices at an affordable price. Our organization, CapitaHealth, aims to change that by providing durable, high-functioning prosthetic limbs and services across Nigeria for a fraction of the usual cost.

Understanding Prosthetics

A prosthetic limb is an artificial replacement for an arm, hand, leg, or foot that has been lost due to injury, illness, or birth anomaly. Modern prosthetics use advanced materials like carbon fiber, silicone, and titanium to replicate the look, weight, and feel of the natural limb. Components like joints and sockets are engineered to mirror natural limb movement and function. Today’s prosthetics allow wearers to walk, run, lift, hold items, drive, swim, play sports, and complete most other activities.

Custom prosthetics are individually designed to match a person’s unique needs and remaining limb shape. After healing from an amputation, the patient is measured and fitted by a trained prosthetist. The prosthesis is then assembled and aligned to maximize comfort and mobility. Prosthetic limbs require periodic maintenance and replacement as the residual limb changes shape or if a person’s needs evolve. With proper use and care, a quality prosthetic can last 3-5 years.

Prosthetics Needs in Nigeria

It is estimated that there are currently over 2 million Nigerians requiring prosthetic devices. This includes those with congenital limb anomalies as well as amputees. The leading causes of amputation in the country include poorly managed diabetes, traumatic injuries, infections, snake bites, equipment accidents, and violence.

Across the country, the need for pediatric prosthetics is also immense, to help the mobility and development of children missing limbs at birth. It is estimated over 200,000 Nigerian children require prosthetic devices.

Barriers to Access in Nigeria

Despite the great need for prosthetics, many amputees in Nigeria go without. A major barrier is the prohibitively high cost of quality prosthetics and related services. Imported prosthetics are very expensive for most Nigerians. Even locally made limbs have unaffordable price tags for average citizens.

Compounding the problem, there is also a severe shortage of trained prosthetists in Nigeria, with some states having none. This means amputees must travel long distances at great cost to access care. Prosthetic services and suppliers are centralized in bigger cities, leaving rural areas underserved.

CapitaHealth’s Affordable, Quality Prosthetics

To address barriers to prosthetic access, CapitaHealth is launching an initiative to provide affordable, durable prosthetics and related services across Nigeria. We utilize the latest fabrication technologies to maximize function while keeping costs low.

Our prosthetics use high-grade materials selected to withstand Nigeria’s climate and conditions. Our prosthetists are trained to provide top-notch care, from evaluation to custom fitting and maintenance.

CapitaHealth’s prosthetics and services will be offered at a fraction of typical costs in Nigeria.

Partnerships Expanding Nationwide Access

To expand nationwide availability, we will partner with reputable prosthetic labs, clinics, hospitals, and NGOs across Nigeria. We will provide training, quality control, and other support to enable local provision of our affordable prosthetics. Patients can access our prosthetics closer to home.

CapitaHealth will handle everything from prosthetic design and fabrication to fitting, training, and ongoing adjustments. We will educate patients on using and caring for their prosthetic limb to ensure maximum benefit. Follow-up care will be provided to optimize fit and function.

Offering Hope to Those in Need

We aim to transform lives by providing affordable prosthetic limbs to amputees who have no other option. We want to empower tens of thousands more to walk, work, and live their lives to the fullest. CapitaHealth’s goal is for all Nigerian amputees to have access to prosthetics that improve their health and wellbeing.

Watch for updates on when CapitaHealth will launch our prosthetic services. We believe everyone deserves the mobility and dignity that comes from quality prosthetic care.