Tanzania Grapples with Increasing Diabetes-Related Limb Amputations

Tanzania is witnessing a surge in diabetes-related limb amputations, comprising 60% of all amputations. CCBRT Hospital’s specialists emphasize the need for better diabetes management and highlight challenges in providing prosthetic limbs, including financial constraints and import delays. The costly nature of prosthetics varies substantially based on the level of amputation, presenting further barriers for patients needing assistance.

Tanzania is experiencing a significant rise in limb amputations due to diabetes, which has surpassed other causes of disability. Approximately 60 percent of all amputations are attributed to diabetic patients, with every amputee requiring prosthetic limbs. Donald Mchihiyo, a Prosthetics and Assistive Devices Specialist at CCBRT Hospital, reported these statistics in an interview with The Citizen.

In excluding elderly diabetic patients, 40 percent of amputations result from congenital disabilities and accidents. Among these, 35 percent of the younger individuals aged 20 to 45 endure limb loss due to accidents, particularly related to industrial work and motorcycle accidents. Mr. Mchihiyo emphasized that many diabetes-related amputations stem from poorly managed conditions that lead to non-healing wounds and ulcers.

Diabetic patients often experience prolonged wounds that can result in limbal deterioration. To mitigate worsening conditions, tests are conducted to identify areas with adequate blood circulation, determining where amputations should occur. CCBRT Hospital aims to provide prosthetic limbs based on available resources, setting a target to aid nine patients monthly but at times only able to offer four or five due to funding issues.

Financial support can increase production, enabling the hospital to assist 11 to 12 patients monthly, despite the fact that only five specialists work in the field. Children with limb deformities are eligible for prosthetics as early as two years of age, ensuring they develop similarly to their peers.

Before receiving prosthetics, patients undergo psychological counseling to prepare for their transition. This includes explaining the importance of amputation to mitigate infection risks, and specialists ensure that patients understand their treatment options. Following acceptance of the prosthetic, patients receive a fitting, training, and ongoing monitoring every few months to assess fit and adaptation.

Nevertheless, challenges remain, such as the lack of local manufacturing of prosthetic materials which necessitates imports, causing delays. Customs taxes further complicate these issues, making it a lengthy and costly process. The costs for prosthetics vary significantly: above-the-knee prosthetics range from Sh2.4 million to Sh20 million, while below-the-knee options range from Sh1.2 million to Sh2.5 million, depending on the specifications and needs of the patient.

In conclusion, the rising number of diabetes-related amputations in Tanzania poses significant health challenges. Addressing the underlying factors, such as inadequate diabetes management and the need for improved prosthetic services, is essential. Proactive measures, including educating patients and ensuring financial resources for prosthetics, will contribute to better health outcomes for affected individuals in this region.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz