MOU signed for ‘New Limb, New Life’
Aug. 17, 2023
Prosthetic Partnership to support Jamaicans with disabilities
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Wednesday, August 16, 2023: Members of the disabled community who have been physically impaired because of diabetes will now have a chance at greater mobility and productivity through the ‘New Limb, New Life’ Initiative.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. for the commitment of JMD $50 million to implement the partnership. The joint venture was first announced during the Minister’s Sectoral Presentation in Parliament on May 3.
“Eligible persons will receive a grant of $250,000 towards the purchase of a lower limb prosthetic device. Without this assistive technology, amputees are at risk for losing their most productive years and are often excluded and isolated from social participation,” the Minister said.
Prostheses are a type of mobility aid designed to support people with physical impairments or functional limitations by assisting them to perform tasks safely and independently.
The intervention, which is being channeled through the Ministry’s Compassionate Care Programme, comes as data shows that chronic diseases such as diabetes increase the risk of amputations.
“Some 15 percent of the world’s population is challenged by disability, due in part to non-communicable diseases. In Jamaica, an estimated 80 percent of amputations are related to diabetes,” the Minister added.
According to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III (JHLS), 2016-2017, one in eight Jamaicans has diabetes while four out of every 10 Jamaicans with either diabetes or hypertension are unaware of their status.
The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, an agency of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will carry out the ‘New Limb, New Life Initiative.’ It is expected to help close the gap in health service delivery for the disabled by encouraging functional independence and overall well-being.
The MOU signing ceremony was held during a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House this morning.
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