There is joy insight for Amputees living in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria as they now have access to 3-D printed prosthetics. Big credit to the innovators at the Northeast Humanitarian and Innovation Hub in Yola, the capital of Adamawa, in northeastern Nigeria.
This hub was set up in 2018 by the Nigerian government to empower tech lovers and enthusiasts to impact lives on those suffering one or two issues across the northeast region.

“The lab itself hasn’t really been operational for more than like 2 months and we have already impacted 5…you know 6 kids with limbs including a police officer also who lost his limb in the line of duty. We have also provided a 3D limb for him so it is much cheaper, much much cheaper”, said Muhammad Ibrahim, partner at Northeast humanitarian and innovation hub,

“It is not just printing the limbs but also adding robotics to it to improve functionality. So and with robotics we now have sensors coming in within which model of thoughts is designed and transmitted for the user”, said Ahmad Tijani, founding partner of the lab.

25-year-old Muhammed Jafar, a member of the local vigilante group, had lost his left hand in January this year in his line of duty, trying to protect his community. Jafar helped rescue a teenage girl who had been kidnapped by a criminal gang, known for attacking residents and creating insecurity in the city. For this act of bravery, Jafar lost his forearm when members of this criminal gang later came to attack him.

Jafar recently got a fitted new 3-D printed prosthetic arm, thanks to the Northeast Humanitarian and Innovation Hub. He nows earns a living as a tailor and has found happiness again.

“This limb has helped in reducing the humiliation I used to feel. When I put it on, it covers the part that was cut off from my arm and most people cannot differentiate between the limb and my real arm. It helps me to do some activities”, Jafar said.

3D printing reduces production cost compared to conventionally manufactured prosthetics. It is also said to offer advanced functionality.

The 3D-printed prosthetics offered in Yola would cost about $1,000, but the team has donated over 6 prosthetics in the region. They have a list of over 100 amputees across the north-east waiting to be fitted.

Culled from www.france24.com