The Samoa Mobility Device Service (MDS) has reached an important milestone this week – with 100 mobility devices rolling and walking out the door! 100 appropriate wheelchairs or walking aids that have been provided by trained, local personnel.
The MDS will see a number of milestones this year, with preparation for the current services to expand to include wheelchairs and walking aids for children with complex seating needs, orthotics and prosthetics services.
The beginning of these services will coincide with the completion of the new, purpose built building for the MDS service, funded by the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the World Bank. Building is already well underway – and monitored closely by the MDS staff!
We are also close to launching a pilot for those clients with diabetic foot ulcers – a serious health concern which leads to illness, lower limb amputations and the loss of many lives. Our pilot aims to provide the skills and resources needed in the community to identify clients at risk of diabetic foot ulcers; prevent the ulcers from occurring, and; treat ulcers when they do appear to prevent secondary complications. Overall, the pilot aims to reduce the numbers of clients who require an amputation or loose their life to foot ulcers.
We look forward to updating our supporters in the coming months! If you would like to find out more about what we are doing in Samoa, you can contact our Samoa Project Manager Ray Mines, or Senior Clinical Coordinator Lauren Flaherty (who is currently based in Samoa with the local team).