Project Abstract

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          Diabetes is a long term issue in the country of Uganda. The number of diabetic patients has increased rapidly over the years with currently around 500,000 diabetics in just the city of Sotori in Uganda. Those who suffer from poor diabetes management may eventually have to amputate their limbs, which would prevent them from being able to work. With their low annual incomes, the people of Soroti are unable to afford prosthetics which range from $250 to $3000. We intend to solve this issue by building a low cost transtibial prosthesis. The reproduction value would be under $30 which is within the budget of their annual income of $650. Our prosthesis will not only be functional and affordable, but also durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. 

          As the people of Soroti live a dominantly agriculturalist lifestyle, the prosthetic must be durable enough to withstand the rugged terrain and hard labor the user must go through. It must also be comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. It will be made with materials local to Soroti, which will allow the prosthetic to be manufacturable in the country itself and allow for easy maintenance since the materials are abundant. The prosthetic will allow for natural gait and it will be lightweight for easy use. With this project, we not only hope to bring a person back on their feet, but also allow them to regain the ability to acquire a source of income.