Year

2017

Organisation

Stichting The Three Aid Foundation (TAFF)

Objective

Better Braces – Improved braces for polio patients and braces for babies with clubfeet in Ethiopia.

The Grarbet Tehadeso Mahber clinic is located in Butajira, Ethiopia. The clinic has extensive expertise in the rehabilitation of children affected by polio and works in partnership with TTAF.

Approach

How can children with paralysed legs walk to school? They can only do so with the help of braces – orthopaedic leg supports. Muscle paralysis caused by polio is irreversible. Without adequate support, children affected by polio are often unable to walk or attend school, severely limiting their opportunities in life.

With the support of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), TTAF succeeded in developing simple, lightweight leg braces adapted to the needs of children whose legs have been affected by polio.

JIP’s contribution to the project

Babies born with clubfeet can be successfully treated when intervention begins at a very young age. The use of specially fitted braces can correct the condition and help prevent walking difficulties later in life, enabling children to participate more fully alongside their peers.
In 2017, JIP Foundation contributed to the costs of the Better Braces project as a co-donor. The project was subsequently implemented in 2018.

End of Project Report

In 2018, one hundred braces and pairs of shoes were provided to children with clubfeet. The programme also included four rounds of fittings and follow-up checks for the participating children, as well as transportation to the clinic for treatment by physiotherapists and orthopaedic technicians.