Inspiration from BRAC Haiti's Limb and Brace Center

With a decade of experience operating a Limb and Brace Center in Bangladesh, BRAC opened the doors of its Limb and Brace Center in Port-au-Prince on September 16th, 2010 in order to address the needs of an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 Haitians who had undergone amputation or suffered other physical injuries as a result of the earthquake. BRAC’s prosthetic and orthotic devices are designed to be durable and easy to maintain, enabling adults to return to work and children to return to school. Since April, BRAC Haiti has provided prosthetic treatment to 71 patients, orthotic treatment to 278 patients and physiotherapy and counseling services to 76 patients.

Viola Saint Fleur, aged 32 years and a patient of BRAC, had a small road-size business and was on the road when the earthquake struck. When the tremors began, she fell down and a neighboring building collapsed on her. She faded in and out of consciousness for several hours and was eventually taken to the hospital by community volunteers. When she finally woke up, the doctors at the hospital informed Viola that her leg was severely damaged and they had no choice but to amputate it.

After the amputation, Viola was unable to walk. She could not operate her road-side business and had no way of generating an income for herself and her daughter. Viola’s partner, who left her after the amputation, did not provide her with any support other money for their child’s school fees. Each day was a struggle for Viola and her child.

Then, a neighbor told Viola about BRAC’s Limb and Brace Center. After her visit, she thought, “They will give me the ability to walk…I was happy.” Two weeks later, Viola was fitted with a prosthetic leg, designed out of durable material that is easy to clean and maintain. She practiced walking on her new leg, which felt heavy at first and gradually grew accustomed to it. Soon after, Viola was back to work. “I do the same business as before,” she says. “I have no problem.”

Now, instead of worrying about how to provide for her family, Viola spends her free time playing with her daughter. She hopes that her daughter will grow up to be a doctor, so she can help others.

Photo Credit: BRAC/Nadia Todres

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