By Bigboy Madzivanzira
Mathew Date, 70, is smiling again after receiving a prosthetic leg through Health Promotion Clinic Trust’s (HPCT) Community Based Rehabilitation Programme. Amputated two years ago due to diabetes and high blood pressure, Mathew struggled to access a prosthetic leg until HPCT stepped in.
“Getting this leg has given me a new lease on life,” Mathew said. “I can walk again, visit my friends, and help my family.”
The prosthetic leg was made possible by donations from relatives, who contributed to HPCT’s CBR programme. This follows HPCT’s previous success in manufacturing limbs for victims of crocodile attacks and other amputees in remote areas, thanks to 40 components donated by Leg4Africa UK.
“HPCT is committed to serving the most needy,” said Bigboy Madzivanzira. “This partnership with Leg4Africa UK and support from relatives has enabled us to change lives.”
Mathew’s wife was overwhelmed with gratitude, “I couldn’t believe my husband could be measured at home and within such a short space of time is fitted and training also given to us on basic management of the limb.”
A cousin, Moffat Barwa, echoed his sentiments, “This is a blessing, we’re so grateful to HPCT for bringing hope back to our family. Mathew can now move around and live a more normal life.”
The prosthetic leg will significantly improve Mathew’s quality of life and that of his family. Mr Date lives in Date Village of Madziva, in Mashonaland Central Province.
About the Author: Bigboy Madzivanzira is a multi-faceted individual with expertise in health promotion and disability issues, working with Health Promotion Clinic Trust (HPCT) to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe. He is specialized in Wheelchair assessments, supportive seating, and Ortho technology. Contact him on 0773 367 913 or healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com