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Swissability's final mission of 2024 was truly remarkable! Held in Nairobi, Kenya, we had the privilege of certifying 33 orthopedic technicians and donating 18 prostheses to amputees from both near and far. We were graciously hosted by the Kenya Medical Training College, located next to the Kenyatta National Hospital, one of Africa’s largest and most renowned medical centers.
With 1'800 beds, over 6'000 staff members, and 50 departments, the hospital provided an ideal setting for our mission. The expansive space allowed our work to proceed smoothly and without interruption.
The introductory session began with a presentation of SwissABILITY, its objectives and ongoing projects. We then progressed to the main focus of the presentation, our “workhorse”, the Monolimb, the best performing and economical prosthesis in all of Africa.
This technology aroused much enthusiasm, questions and discussions. Bernado Gomes lead the practical demonstration which held everyone’s attention. In combination with good organisation, we were able to aid 17 amputees, of which one was a double amputee.
Tuesday was dedicated to the Alivio technology, with a hands-on demonstration led by Peter. This technology allows a transtibial prosthesis to be manufactured in just one hour, without the need for an orthopedic workshop.
The “oven” used is a portable cylinder, ideal for mobile clinics or remote assistance programs, perfect for reaching communities in isolated or resource-poor areas.
The most profound moments of any mission often occur during direct interactions with the beneficiaries. It is during these encounters that we hear their stories—frequently heartbreaking, yet deeply moving. These narratives have a unique ability to teach us invaluable lessons in resilience and inner strength, humbling us in the process.
One such story that deeply moved us is that of Blessing, a 5-year-old boy who underwent a leg amputation at just six months old. His family, though profoundly affected by his trauma, demonstrated remarkable resilience, turning their pain into a powerful message of hope and inspiration. Blessing is a self-assured little boy with an extraordinary ability to adapt. His zest for life inspires determination in everyone he meets.
With the unwavering support of his family and the aid of a prosthesis, he confronts life's challenges head-on, embodying courage and resilience. Read more of Blessing’s story on page 7 Equally moving was Esther’s testimony. She lost both her legs to a mysterious infection that led to severe gangrene. During the graduation ceremony, she took the microphone to express heartfelt gratitude to SwissABILITY and the technicians for her new prostheses. In a deeply touching gesture, she presented us with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of herself and all the other beneficiaries. It was the first time we had received such a meaningful recognition, making the moment even more unforgettable.
We concluded the mission with an event attended by 150 participants, including amputees and their families, representatives of government ministries, college staff, the National Association of Ortho- Prosthetic Professionals, and all the technicians who participated in the mission. As you might imagine, there were numerous speeches, but the one that mean the most to us, was from the Head of National Rehabilitation of Kenya, Alex Kysianga, who extended an official invitation to SwissABILITY to continue its work and support in the country.
The future of SwissABILITY looks bright with a growing interest in the Monolimb and new calls for international collaborations.
A significant part of the success of this mission is owed to the tireless efforts of Bernardo Gomes, a skilled trainer who has been collaborating with SwissABILITY since 2016. His dedication, combined with the invaluable support of the team at Kenya Medical Training College (K.M.T.C.), the National Association of Orthopedic Technologists (N.A.O.T.), and their managers and staff, has been instrumental in achieving our goals.
