By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – The Association of Persons with Physical Disability (NAPWPD), has raised the alarm on the soaring prices of artificial legs and other prosthetic limbs, saying this is causing concern among patients, particularly as the world marks the International Limb Loss Day.
The National President of NAPWPD, Comrade Rilwan Abdullahi, expressed the concern at a Sallah Get-together and Zumunci gathering to promote unity and togetherness among members at the Rehabilitation Board in Kaduna on Saturday.
He emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness among the general public on the factors contributing to increasing number of amputees in the country.
He gave such factors to include: daily road accidents, cancer diseases, industrial accidents, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, blood clots, osteomyelitis, as well as conflicts related to various socio-political factors.
He Highlighted the importance of using such gathering to bring awareness, education, hope, and encouragement to those living with limb loss and their supporters.
He explained that Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness month is celebrated worldwide to recognize amputees and provide them with opportunities to live without limits. “The purpose of this Sallah event is to strengthen unity among all clusters of persons with disabilities and to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by those living without limbs.
“Additionally, the focus is on drawing attention to the importance of limb loss prevention in health and safety practices,” he said.
According to Abdullahi, the cost of purchasing walking aids for amputees is extremely high, and this has forced many to resort to makeshift tools like sticks, wood from trees to aid their walk on the streets.
He added that the cost of artificial limbs in Nigeria and Africa is exorbitant, necessitating support from governments, wealthy individuals, and corporate organizations to assist patients by providing them with artificial limbs.
The high cost of artificial limbs, Abdullahi also said, could be attributable to the following: “the customization required for each individual, considering factors such as age and specific needs;
“Not all amputees can afford artificial limbs due to their scarcity and high costs, which is why we are calling for help from all stakeholders;
“The high cost of the dollar has also impacted the supply of artificial limbs from abroad,” he added.
The NAPWPD National President said losing a limb can have profound physical and mental effects on individuals, with more than 80 per cent of amputees experiencing chronic pain that can be as debilitating as the original injury.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of Persons with Disability (PwDs), Comrade Suleman Abdulaziz, highlighted the importance of annual Sallah gatherings in promoting education and inclusion among members in the state.
He urged the state and federal governments to include PwDs in all aspects of human endeavors, stressing their desire to be involved in activities related to the development of the state.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for more assistance for the mental anguish experienced by amputees due to limb loss. “we want to be inclusive in every thing related to peace, development and success in Kaduna and Nigeria,” he said.