The K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) entered into a collaboration with the government of Sierra Leone to strengthen O&P capabilities and services in Sierra Leone. The agreement provides a detailed memorandum of understanding (MOU) and intentions that will begin as a four-year program.
The groups aim to support Sierra Leone’s O&P sector through six key objectives: data collection and clinic operations, education, supply chain, infrastructure, new technologies, and mobile delivery of services. The goal is to sustainably double the production and distribution of O&P services at Sierra Leone’s National Rehabilitation Centre and Bo Clinics over the next four years.
Hugh Herr, PhD, a professor of media arts and sciences who serves as co-director of the K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics and heads the renowned Biomechatronics research group at the MIT Media Lab, will lead the collaboration.
“From educational services, to supply chain, to new technology, this important MOU with the government of Sierra Leone will enable the Center to develop a broad, integrative approach to the orthotic and prosthetic sector within Sierra Leone, strengthening services and restoring much needed care to its citizens,” said Herr.
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation is responsible for health service delivery across the country, as well as regulation of the health sector to meet the health needs of its citizens.
“As the Ministry of Health and Sanitation continues to galvanize efforts towards the attainment of universal health coverage through the life stages approach, this collaboration will foster access, innovation, and capacity building in the orthotic and prosthetic division,” said Austin Demby, PhD, Sierra Leone’s minister of health. “The ministry is pleased to work with and learn from MIT over the next four years in building resilient health systems, especially for vulnerable groups.”
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by MIT.
