Diabetes is a leading cause of amputations in Tanzania, with 60% of cases involving diabetic patients. CCBRT Hospital aims to assist amputees by providing prosthetic limbs, facing challenges such as financial constraints and the need for imported materials. Awareness and better management of diabetes are critical for prevention.
In Tanzania, diabetes has emerged as a leading cause of limb amputations, surpassing other contributors to such procedures. Notably, approximately 60 percent of amputations involve individuals with diabetes, all of whom require prosthetic limbs for mobility. This alarming trend was highlighted by Donald Mchihiyo, a Prosthetics and Assistive Devices Specialist at CCBRT Hospital, in an interview with The Citizen on March 6, 2025.
Mr. Mchihiyo noted that, aside from the diabetic cases, the remaining 40 percent of amputations are attributed to birth defects and accidents, with 35 percent of those being young adults aged 20 to 45. He emphasized that many of these incidents occur within industrial settings and are often due to motorcycle crashes, which constitute a significant risk factor for limb loss.
A major contributing factor to diabetic amputations is the lack of timely diagnosis or management of the disease, leading to non-healing wounds and ulcers that compromise limb health. Mr. Mchihiyo explained that injuries from various sources, coupled with poor circulation, can result in the necessity of amputation. To mitigate further complications, CCBRT conducts tests to ascertain blood flow and selects limbs for amputation accordingly.
The hospital strives to provide prosthetic limbs to a set number of patients each month. Currently, their target is to assist nine individuals monthly, although financial constraints often limit this to four or five. With sufficient funding, the hospital can produce up to 12 devices each month, although the workforce consists of only five specialized professionals.
Children born with limb deformities can be fitted for prosthetic limbs once they reach two years of age or are able to walk. Mr. Mchihiyo stated that early intervention is crucial for their development, advising that children should be brought in for assessment as soon as possible. Before acquiring prosthetic limbs, patients also undergo psychological counselling to better acclimate to their new circumstances.
The hospital faces challenges such as a shortage of sponsors and the absence of locally manufactured prosthetic materials. Since Tanzania lacks factories dedicated to producing prosthetics, materials must be imported, leading to significant delays due to high customs charges. Mr. Mchihiyo mentioned that the arrival of these materials can take six weeks, affecting service delivery.
The cost of prosthetic limbs varies significantly, influenced by the level of amputation and specific patient requirements. Costs for above-the-knee prosthetics range broadly from Sh2.4 million to Sh20 million, while below-the-knee variants range from Sh1.2 million to Sh2.5 million. Additionally, a partial foot prosthetic can be obtained for approximately Sh500,000, with the final price determined by the quality and specifications needed by the patient.
In summary, diabetes significantly contributes to limb amputations in Tanzania, with 60 percent of cases involving diabetic patients. The CCBRT Hospital is actively working to provide necessary prosthetic limbs, although financial limitations hinder their efforts. Increased awareness, timely medical intervention, and addressing import challenges are essential to improving outcomes for amputees in Tanzania. The dedicated work of healthcare providers in this sector is crucial for enhancing the quality of life of affected individuals.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
