On Monday, 7th October 2024, FabLab Rwanda facilitated the launch of a new three-dimensional (3D) printer that is expected to improve the lives of amputees in Rwanda, ensuring the availability and affordability of prostheses.
Through the EmpowerAbility initiative, Bridging Afrika, the University of Rwanda’s Center of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and E-Health (CEBE), the National Union of Disability Organizations in Rwanda (NUDOR), and other local organizations, under facilitation of FabLab Rwanda, a new three-dimensional (3D) printer has been unveiled as part of an initiative aimed at improving the lives of amputees in Rwanda by increasing accessibility and affordability of prostheses.
During the launch of the EmpowerAbility initiative, Dany Bizimana, Managing Director at Fablab Rwanda, represented the private tech sector in Rwanda. He addressed the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in Rwanda, and highlighted what more can be done stressing on the adoption of digital manufacturing in the health sector.
Additionally, he stressed that Rwanda currently has potential to improve the affordability and accessibility of prostheses for the disabled community, addressing the stigma that exists among parents, individuals with disabilities, and society at large.
Back through the years, the society used to exclude amputees and other people with disabilities, considering them unable to perform any activities or take responsibility for any roles in government and private organizations. The parents could also neglect to seek assistance for their children due to a belief that people with disabilities have no role to play in society.
Introducing the new era in Rwanda, where people with disabilities live without stigma, these new 3D printers make it possible because prostheses can be locally produced. For the very first time in Rwanda, the first two beneficiaries received prostheses during the launch of EmpowerAbility Initiative.
Theoneste Safari, who lost his left arm in an accident ten years ago, expressed his relief after receiving a prosthetic arm. He said, “Since my accident, this is the first time I’ve been able to appear in public properly dressed with two arms. Although it’s not a real arm, it brings me comfort and confidence, and it will help with daily tasks, making things less exhausting. I used to suggest that my family purchase a prosthetic arm for me, but it was very expensive.”
On the other hand, Marie Chantal Uwihirwe lost her arm in an accident when she was five and it was her saddest story in life. After receiving her prosthetic arm, she also expressed her gratitude, saying “Living with one arm has been restricting me from lifting things. Now that I have a functional prosthetic arm, my life will improve dramatically. This will even change the public perception against people with disabilities.”
Through the public-private partnerships in the health tech sector and support of Victoria Hand Project, the EmpowerAbility initiative will enhance the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities in Rwanda, especially in the areas of education and employment. FabLab Rwanda in partnership with Rwanda ICT Chamber keeps skyrocketing levels of inclusive technology, enhancing Rwanda’s private tech sector and contributing to innovations and digital job creation in Rwanda and beyond.
Visit the showroom of FabLab Rwanda and learn more about digital manufacturing machines and processes in Rwanda.