When we first went to Mahajanga in the far north of Madagascar in 2012 their rehab unit was in a dire state of disrepair, even though led by a highly competent and devoted Dr Bodo. The roof leaked, the equipment was ancient, and it had been impossible to make any modern artificial limbs for a long time. But by this year, several charities had together succeeded in helping her have an excellent little rehab unit with modern equipment and the International Red Cross had obtained materials to make the prostheses. Two technicians had been trained. Now we had to help pull it all together, to help make it the amputee rehab centre of the north of Madagascar. Our UK-based team of doctor, specialist physio and prosthetist knew their task - to enable the staff to function as a competent team. 

For a week they gave intensive, practical, interactive training to 20 people. The course covered all the essentials of basic prosthetic training. At the end, the feedback was that the training had been relevant, well-pitched and, they felt, would lead to direct improvements in the service. The photos show the group with their certificates and their pleasure in the production of the first successful fitting. The only snag is that they implored the UK team to return to teach on the making of prostheses for more complex situations!

For a week they gave intensive, practical, interactive training to 20 people. The course covered all the essentials of basic prosthetic training. At the end, the feedback was that the training had been relevant, well-pitched and, they felt, would lead to direct improvements in the service. 

The photos show the group with their certificates and their pleasure in the production of the first successful fitting. The only snag is that they implored the UK team to return to teach on the making of prostheses for more complex situations!