In a developing country, the lack of adequate medical care means that disabilities can derail your future. In rural areas of India, missing limbs are an especially prevalent disability. Often, amputation is the result of lack of medical care for treatable conditions such as infection. In addition, studies have shown very high levels of unemployment among individuals with missing limbs in developing countries. Work and education are no longer options, and as a result, their families and children suffer as they struggle to make ends meet.
Prosthetics offer a ray of hope, though. Artificial limbs can restore some mobility and dexterity to these individuals, giving them a chance to be productive and return to a life where they can operate independently.
The Barzilai Foundation met with Chetana Global Foundation; a charity located in Khammam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Chetana has a track record of working in the rural communities of India to help individuals dealing with missing limbs. We discussed the effect that such a disability can cause and explored ways to mitigate the impact. As a result, the Barzilai Foundation and Chetana Global Foundation teamed up to host a camp that reaches low-income communities to get individuals fitted for artificial limbs, leverages local manufacturers for creation of limbs, and then distributes the limbs and provides training to individuals on proper use.
The camp was a tremendous success. In total, 84 individuals received the limbs they needed to be able to work, support themselves and their families, and lead highly improved lives going forward. These individuals came from a range of backgrounds and had various reasons for missing limbs. However, one common thread was that their missing limbs created a dramatic barrier to leading their lives and providing for their families.
“I’m ecstatic by the results of this program. 84 individuals, 84 households, many with children and spouses, will be better equipped to work, to provide, to be independent, and to be healthy going forward,” reflected Brandon Sosa, CEO of the Barzilai Foundation.
Appalandaidu is married and has a five-year-old son. While commuting to his work as a construction worker, his bike was hit, and he lost his leg as a result of the accident. Appalandaidu is young and strong, and while he won’t be able to fill his old job in construction, with his new mobility he will be able to get a job and once again support his wife and son.
Thirupathaiah is 57 and works selling vegetables from his movable cart. He was the victim of a hit-and-run accident while working and doctors amputated his left leg to save his life. Thirupathaiah is married and provides for himself and his wife. With the loss of his leg, he was unable to push his vegetable cart to the market and continue working. Thirupathaiah is learning to walk with the new prosthetic, and with a bit of training and support from his wife is excited to get back to the market and resume his livelihood.
Shiek is a 33-year-old double amputee who received two prosthetics and a walker. He lost both legs as the result of an accident while boarding a train. Shiek is married with two children. Before losing his legs, he was working full-time as a contractor in the cement industry and was able to provide for his family. Due to the accident, he has been barely able to leave his home. Now, with prosthetic limbs, he is training his body to be able to walk with minimal assistance. He is optimistic about getting back to work and finding employment that will suit his new mobility.
Barzilai Foundation partnered with Chetana Foundation to provide a two-month sewing and tailoring vocational training program in Andra Pradesh, India, creating new opportunities for individuals in need of earning income to support their families.
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