ICRC estimated that in Somaliland in 1992 there was one amputee for every 652 people. After decades of warfare and a decade of peace, Somaliland today remains one of the most severely mine-affected areas in the world.

In January 2003, Doses of Hope established the Orthohope Rehabilitation Centre (ORC). In the five years since, over 2,250 people have received treatment. Most of these people are from very poor families; one-third are children under 20.

ORC’s services include the provision of aids for the physically disabled – such as prostheses, braces, crutches, walking aids and physiotherapy. In addition ORC has an outreach programme that supports the families of severely disabled children in the neighbouring villages who are unable to attend the centre.

Recently, ORC established the Orthopedic Shoe Shop. This unit makes orthopedic shoes for people with foot deformities, with, as objective, increasing the potential of people with this problem: enabling them to lead more independent lives in their communities, attend regular schools and seek professional careers.

For more information, contact Doses of Hope.