EU & Handicap International strengthens Rehabilitation Centres in Sierra Leone

Handicap International one of the leading International organizations promoting the welfare and protection of People with Disabilities in Sierra Leone with funds from the European Union has successfully completed a three year project titled “Facilitating the combined efforts of people with disabilities, communities and civil authorities in providing physical rehabilitation services in Sierra Leone.
The aims and objectives of the project is to strengthen and sustain physical rehabilitation service delivery in Sierra Leone by increasing the institutional capacity of the project partners, mainly the Bo and Koidu Government Hospitals.
The Bo and Koidu Hospitals are now actively delivering quality rehabilitation services to many people living with disabilities that had no access to physical rehabilitation services in the past. The project was closely implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation of the Government of Sierra Leone.
The project ensured a successful integration of all physical rehabilitation services of over 40 staff, formally of Handicap International, within the Ministry which is now responsible for the full operational aspect of the rehabilitation programme including payment of staff salaries.
Currently there is a proper monitoring and transparent system at the rehabilitation centres where procedures are strictly followed like the setting up of Community Advisory Boards (CABs) has greatly enhanced the sustainability of the project.
The established Board currently monitors the rehabilitation activities and facilitates the interaction of community members, government Ministries, local councilors, hospital staff and Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), promoting their participation in the rehabilitation process.
The project is also managing a well equipped rehabilitation centre to meet maximum level functioning standards of which the Bo Government Hospital benefited further from the construction of a new Physical Care Department and renovation of the orthopedic workshop.
Realization of increased institutional capacity of all the project partners and beneficiaries who received series of trainings, locally and internationally on diverse topics ranging from the disability process to management skills.
The European Union also funded the rehabilitation units with two generators, two vehicles and two motor bikes to enhance project delivery.
The Rehabilitation centre is servicing some 1,240 persons with disabilities (659 males and 581 females) in 2009; of these 377 received prosthetic and orthotic devices and 7,618 went through physiotherapy sessions. The services have been free for clients with the support of European Union.
According to Mr. Edward Kanu, the rehabilitation centre is now fully operational and capable of delivering physical care services effectively. “Constraints formally encountered by lack of electricity, vehicle for outreach activities, etc. have now all been taken care of through the support of the European Union funded project.”
Mr. Kanu manages the rehabilitation workshop and takes care of the production of special local shoes for people with disabilities.
Sahr Amara, the Project Manager of the rehabilitation services in Koidu also said “the project would not have been successful without the erection of vital community structures such as CABs, for example the Koidu CAB went beyond Handicap International four operational Chiefdoms and reached out to all 14 Chiefdoms in the Kono District. Our advocacy and outreach activities have affected many lives.” He noted.
Survey reports indicate an overwhelming 45 percent increase in the referral cases to the Koidu and the Bo Rehabilitation Centre, indicating an increased public awareness on disability issues and knowledge of available services.
By Saidu Bah