Programs: BRAC
Announced:
July 7, 2010
Category:
Addressing Critical, Unmet Needs
Fund Amount: $250,000 Grant
Above, one of BRAC's young
beneficiaries is fitted with a prosthetic leg.
See more in the BRAC Photo Gallery.
The $250,000 Clinton Bush Haiti Fund grant helped establish a Haitian Limb and Brace Center that will provide prosthetic and orthotic services to over 1,600 Haitians to date.
The BRAC Center provides low-cost, quality, technologically-appropriate artificial limbs and braces to help increase the mobility of disabled persons. All prosthetics and orthotics are manufactured on site where services are provided, including physical therapy and other rehabilitation needs. BRAC employed and trained Haitian technical staff and is transitioning the facility to Haitian management.
Program Updates
The BRAC Limb and Brace Center began serving patients on September 16, 2010. As of the end of 2012, BRAC had provided prosthetic and orthotic services to more than 1,600 adults and children.
BRAC has hired and trained Haitian staff who are helping manage the center at all levels, including a senior medical officer, technicians, a receptionist and patient follow-up manager, a cook, and a caretaker. During a recent site visit, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund staff witnessed BRAC's Haitian and Bangladeshi staff working side-by-side to manufacture limbs and braces and fit them on patients.
Why We Invested in BRAC
By enabling Haitians to return to work and school — and by building capacity for local disability services — Clinton Bush Haiti Fund's grant to the BRAC Center reflects our commitment to filling near-term gaps that lay the foundation for longer-term reconstruction and economic opportunity.
Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
- Provided sustainable, affordable care and treatment for more than 1,600 patients seeking customized limbs and braces.
- Maintained a referral network with other NGOs, government agencies, and health care providers to reach those in need throughout Haiti.
- Certified a senior medical officer and eight techinical staff.
- Trained and supported Haitian staff to work independently and ultimately manage the center.
About BRAC
BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) is an international humanitarian and development organization that promotes strategies to alleviate poverty and empower the poor through programs in the areas of Microfinance, Livelihood Development, Health and Water, Education, Rights and Equity, and Emergency Relief & Environment. Their vision is a world free from all forms of exploitation and discrimination where everyone has the opportunity to realize his or her potential. Learn more about BRAC at www.brac.net.
