Tanzania Faces Rising Diabetes-Related Limb Amputations
Tanzania is experiencing a surge in diabetes-related amputations, with around 60% linked to diabetic patients. Many suffer due to undiagnosed diabetes, leading to serious complications. The provision of prosthetics is hindered by financial limitations and a lack of local production, impacting patient care and recovery.
Tanzania is witnessing a troubling increase in diabetes-related limb amputations, a situation that has become a leading cause of disability in the country. Statistics indicate that about 60 percent of all limb amputations in Tanzania involve diabetic patients, necessitating that all amputees require prosthetic limbs. This critical issue was highlighted by Donald Mchihiyo, a Prosthetics and Assistive Devices Specialist at CCBRT Hospital, during an interview with The Citizen.
Moreover, Mr. Mchihiyo noted that aside from the 60 percent of amputations related to elderly diabetic patients, the remaining 40 percent arises from birth defects and accidents. Among this latter group, accidents contribute to 35 percent of cases, predominantly involving young individuals aged 20 to 45. He emphasized that industrial accidents and motorcycle crashes are key factors leading to these amputations.
A significant number of diabetic patients face limb amputations due to undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes, resulting in non-healing wounds and ulcers. Mr. Mchihiyo explained that these wounds often prolong the suffering, failing to heal and ultimately leading to amputation, which can cause permanent disabilities. The management of diabetes is crucial in preventing these complications.
To mitigate worsening conditions, the medical team conducts tests to evaluate blood circulation, determining which parts of the limb may necessitate amputation to enhance patient outcomes. CCBRT Hospital has set ambitious goals to provide prosthetic limbs; ideally assisting nine individuals monthly. However, financial constraints often limit this to four or five limbs without sponsor intervention.
The ability to produce prosthetic limbs also hinges on the availability of funding, which can enable the team to manufacture as many as 11 or 12 limbs monthly, though only five specialists are currently available in this field. Additionally, children born with limb deformities are eligible for prosthetics at age two or when they are capable of walking and standing.
Prior to receiving a prosthetic limb, patients undergo psychological counseling to prepare for the transition. They are educated about the severity of their condition and the benefits associated with amputation. The follow-up care involves regular clinic visits to monitor adjustments to prosthetics based on physical changes.
The hospital faces numerous challenges including sponsor shortages and a lack of local manufacturing for prosthetic materials, necessitating the import of supplies. Mr. Mchihiyo explained that import delays can lead to longer waiting periods for patients in need of prosthetics, exacerbated by high import taxes.
The cost of prosthetic limbs varies greatly, influenced by the type of amputation and the specifications of the limb required. For those amputated above the knee, prices soar up to Sh20 million for high-end options, while below-the-knee prosthetics range from Sh1.2 million to Sh2.5 million, emphasizing the economic burden faced by patients.
The rise in diabetes-related amputations in Tanzania highlights the urgent need for better diabetes management and healthcare resources. The high percentage of amputations among diabetic patients underscores the importance of early diagnosis and education in preventing complications. Efforts to improve access to prosthetic limbs are crucial yet challenged by financial constraints and import delays. A collaborative approach involving more funding and local manufacturing could significantly benefit the healthcare landscape in Tanzania.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
