KAFO Training Programme Concludes with Focus on Empowering Disabled Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD – A specialised training programme, designed to equip professionals with the skills to build and fit high-quality leg braces, concluded this week with a call for greater collaboration to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The closing ceremony for the Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (KAFO) training, held at the Rehab Initiative facility, was attended by senior officials, highlighting the growing partnership between local organisations and international bodies.

The chief guest, Dr. Abid Hussain, who serves as the Additional Director General (Monitoring & Evaluation) and Managing Director of PIPOS, distributed certificates to the trainees, praising their commitment to a profession that directly transforms lives.

“This isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about restoring mobility and dignity,” Dr. Hussain said in his address. “Each brace these trainees build is a key that can unlock a world of opportunity for an individual.”

The intensive course was organised by Rehab Initiative in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has a long history of supporting physical rehabilitation projects worldwide. The ICRC Country Head was also present at the ceremony, underscoring the importance of the initiative.

KAFOs are custom-made leg braces that provide stability and support to individuals with lower-limb weaknesses or paralysis, often caused by conditions like polio, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological disorders. For the user, a properly fitted KAFO can mean the difference between dependence and the ability to walk, work, and participate more fully in society.

The training focused on the intricate process of measuring, casting, fabricating, and aligning these devices to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Moving beyond the ceremony, Dr. Abid Hussain emphasised the need to build on this momentum. He directed all stakeholders involved to strengthen and expand initiatives aimed squarely at improving the day-to-day lives of PWDs.

His remarks pointed towards a future where technical skill, institutional support, and sustainable policies converge to create a more inclusive environment.

The success of this programme signals a positive step in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance local capacity in the field of physical rehabilitation, ensuring that more people have access to the assistive devices they need to live active and independent lives.

News source: PIPOS Official