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Kiribati
At the request of the Ministry of Health (MoH), Republic of Kiribati, in March of
2002 Dr Adrian von der Borsch, Fran Hutton and Nicholas Freijah conducted a
review of Prosthetic and Orthotic services for this pacific island republic. The
outcome of the review was the document A Leg to Stand On: A Life to Live, which
was presented to the Ministry of Health in May 2002. On October 29th 2004, Dr von
der Borch and Mr Freijah were invited back by the MoH for the official opening of
the new service. This service includes a new building for physiotherapy and the
establishment of a prosthetics and orthotics facility. ANMS ISPO were the budget
holders for the project and Nicholas Freijah was the Project Manager. Prosthetic
services have now commenced.
Project Funding Agencies
- Canada Fund funded the building
Equipment
- AusAID
- New Zealand High Commission
- British High Commission
- Kiribati disability group
- PO Australian facilities, Private donations
Education
Logistics: Melbourne Health
This project has provided the opportunity for the ANMS to develop formal
relationships with a range of government and non-government organisations.
AusAID, the Australian government agency for overseas development assistance,
through their Business Volunteer Program recruited and funded the logistics for
Anneke Deutsch (ISPO Prosthetist) to be placed in Kiribati for the initial 5 months to
initiate the systems for a service and commence the education program for two local
prosthetists/orthotists. Immediately following her placement an Australian Volunteer
International prosthetist/orthotist, Lee Brentnall will be placed for two years. During
this two-year period Lee will be responsible for the provision of services and
education of the local staff. The hospital now has the capacity for distance education
and options for prosthetic and orthotic distance education are now being sourced and
we plan to commence this in 2005. A one-day workshop was arranged for staff, with
presentations from Adrian, Anneke, Nicholas, hospital staff and amputees.
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End view of Physiotherapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics facility
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Dr Adrian von der Borch and Nicholas Freijah attended the official opening on behalf of ISPO |
Nick Freijah participates in opening ceremony of the Tungaru Rehabilitation Centre |
Opening dance |
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Anneke Deutsch ISPO prosthetist and Australian Business Volunteer presenting "What is P & O" |
Toare with a client |
Demonstrating the first assessment and cast
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Kiribati prosthetists Tebakoro and Toare with AVI prosthetist and ISPO Member Lee Brentnall
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