Poland in Albania

This training addresses the critical shortage of professionals qualified to produce upper and lower limb prosthetics in Albania. The lack of a school, university program, or licensed institution offering training or certification for prosthetic technicians, as well as qualified and licensed instructors, significantly hinders the prospects for increasing the number of specialists in this field and lengthens the process of obtaining prosthetics for amputees.

As the result of the training conducted by professor Irfan Murtezani from North Macedonia, a specialist certified by ISPO (International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics), five people from Albania received a certificate enabling them to work in medical facilities in the country.

In Albania, most limb amputations occur as a result of diabetes complications, as well as road or workplace accidents, and those related to contact with explosives. The problem is not only the lack of prosthetic technicians but also systemic support for amputees. The lack of reimbursement for prosthetic costs puts the poorest in difficulty, as purchasing a prosthetic is beyond the reach. Without high-quality prosthetics, the poorest amputees have no chance of returning to work, resulting in poverty and mental health problems.

The National Association of Persons with Disabilities "Hope for Life" operates a rehabilitation center and a prosthetics production facility in Tirana for amputees, particularly those from the poorest and most vulnerable groups. The center also provides psychological support for amputees and career counseling.

As part of the project, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tirana also provided support to the Association "Hope for Life", funding the production of 15 upper and lower limb prostheses for the most needy people from the local community.