Help us spread the word by putting up posters and informing colleagues and patients
This August, we are hosting the largest global collection of prosthetic legs and components, and we need your help to make it a success. Since Legs4Africa was founded, we’ve gratefully received valuable resource donations from over 300 clinics worldwide. These donations have been life-changing for people with limb difference across sub-Saharan Africa.
This year, our goal is to collect even more! We want to receive 100 donations from our generous network of professionals, which could amount to over 2,000 people getting back on their feet!
Our Collection Sprint will take place during the month of August, and we would love for as many people as possible to get involved.
There are a number of ways you can help:
- Put up posters in your workplace
- Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #legs4africa
- Tell your colleagues, patients, and friends about the August Collection Sprint
- Join our team of volunteer collectors
- Request a free collection
The Value of Refurbished Prosthetics
The World Health Organisation estimates that there are 5.7 million people in sub-Saharan Africa who need prosthetic rehabilitation services, and 61% of people with disabilities require assistive devices. Yet, only a small fraction of these people are able to receive the help they need.
In contrast, the global prosthetics market continues to grow and is currently valued at 9 billion dollars, expanding each time a limb is fitted or replaced. In many developed countries, life-changing pieces of prosthetic technology are discarded and thrown into landfills, long before they have ceased to be useful.
Clinics in Australia have been busy collecting and talking about the legs they rescue alongside Legs4Africa. Meet the clinicians and volunteers who are getting involved.
Legs4Africa challenges this wasteful status quo by promoting a circular economy. We collect and refurbish usable prosthetic legs and components that would otherwise be discarded, and distribute them to people in need across Africa. The provision of quality prosthetic care can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, restoring their mobility and independence, and allowing them to re-engage with their community.
HOW TO RECYCLE POSTER DOWNLOAD
No time is better than the present to start taking action. Let’s get people talking and collecting for our August Collection Sprint. Together, we can make a real difference.
Components we can refurbish and reuse:
- Entire prosthetic limbs (UK only)
- Feet
- Knees (functional, none electrical)
- Modular components (tube clamps, pylons, adaptors)
- New stump liners
- New stump socks
- Useful gubbins (synthetic casting tape, stockinette, leather/elastic straps)
- Other workshop tools and supplies
Let us know if you’ve got any questions about making donations.
Bright Futures in Africa
After his leg became infected, 12-year-old Benny needed an amputation. He was fitted with a new prosthetic leg at one of our partner clinics and is now able to play with his friends again. It hasn’t stopped him from living his life to the fullest, and he is determined to change people’s perception of disability and grow up to be the best person he can be.
