Cameroonian invests in prosthesis production to help amputees

At 22, Dominique Freddy Lotchouang Wafo has restored smiles on the faces of many Cameroonians through prosthesis and physiotherapy.

The lad with an HND as an orthopedic technician began during his teenage years by producing a prosthetic for his father, an amputee:

“My father is an orthopedic surgeon who lost a leg but he did not stop working… It was challenging but today, the prosthetic leg he is using was designed by me.”

Within the past six months, Dominique and his colleagues through their center “Le Samaritain Orthopedique Kinesitherapie” in Village-Douala III sub-division, have made up a centre, dedicated to helping people of all age groups:

“We receive children, adults, youths… With children, we make sure they are examined by a kinesitherapist who determines the gravity before we intervene. Adults, very often come with specific designs expecting us to reproduce them,” Dominique explains.

In their small cabinet, they import equipment and produce transfemoral, transtibial and transhumeral prosthesis. With prices ranging from F CFA 200.000 – 700.000, many complain they cannot afford for the prosthesis and Dominique and his friends are aware of this:

“We are looking for ways of making it even cheaper. For now, we do not have sponsors but we hope with time, we are able to make it affordable for everyone.”

In Cameroon, access to prosthesis is still a major challenge to many who complain of low income.