A new ‘Prosthetic and Orthotic Network’ has been launched.
Designed to act as a strong voice for the Prosthetic and Orthotic (P&O) sector, it was founded by P&O educators and service providers at an international
workshop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2023.
The Prosthetic and Orthotic Network works to promote P&O education and services and lobby for the development and professional recognition of the sector within countries and across international boundaries. The founding members of the Network come from 6 P&O schools supported by The Nippon Foundation in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and The Philippines and will develop from this base.
Speaking for the Prosthetic and Orthotic Network, Sisary Kheng from Exceed Worldwide, said, ‘We are working with colleagues and organisations in the P&O sector to complete our Phnom Penh Declaration. This calls upon international agencies, Governments and others to recognise that well-resourced P&O education and services are essential, to transform the lives of persons with disability and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.’
The Phnom Penh Declaration also calls for all countries to fully-integrate the P&O profession and sector in their health sectors, make it easy for P&O professionals
to work internationally and facilitate the duty-free movement P&O components and materials.
Speaking for The Nippon Foundation, Yoshio Nakagawa said, ‘90% of those who need P&O support do not have access to services. The Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved unless persons with disability are included. The obvious conclusion is that all countries need a thriving P&O sector. As a long-term supporter of the sector, The Nippon Foundation is pleased to support the aims of the Prosthetic and Orthotic Network.’
The formation of The Prosthetic and Orthotic Network is timely, as its work complements and supports a rehabilitation resolution adopted by 194 Members States at the 2023 World Health Assembly.
This resolution recognises the large global need for rehabilitation and the significant gap in service availability, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It states that rehabilitation should be available to entire populations and should be integrated into health planning and implementation, as it is an important enabler for quality of life and community participation. Most importantly, the resolution calls for key actions to be taken to strengthen rehabilitation in health systems.
To enquire about membership of The Prosthetic and Orthotic Network please contact Sisary Kheng – sisary@exceed-worldwide.org.