Jimma University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital has launched a center to manufacture and provide artificial limbs, benefiting individuals who have lost their hands or feet due to natural or man-made disasters and are unable to move.
The hospital officially inaugurated the center today, aiming to serve those left immobile following such tragedies.
Professor Ahmed Zeynudin, Chief Executive Director of the Jimma University Health Institute, stated that efforts are being intensified to make artificial limbs accessible to people with disabilities, thanks to support received from international partner organizations, including Go-STAR and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) . He expressed his deep gratitude to the organizations that provided assistance.
Dr. Hundee Ahmed, the hospital’s Chief Clinical Director, noted that the service is designed for people who have lost limbs due to either natural or man-made causes.
In addition to producing artificial legs and arms for amputees, the center also manufactures therapeutic footwear for those with limb deformities. Dr. Hundee emphasized that the facility will serve a wide population across southwestern Ethiopia.
One beneficiary, Mrs. Miskiya Abdulqadir, a resident of Mendera Kebele in Jimma, shared her joy after her daughter who lost one leg at six months old due to a fire accident received an artificial limb and can now move with her full body.
Another beneficiary, five-year-old Fariya Dida, is now able to attend school without any difficulty.