A prosthetist holds the artificial limb for Princess Igbinosa, 10, who lost her leg following a traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2023. Princess can now walk, thanks to an artificial limb from the IREDE Foundation, a group providing children like her with free prosthetics and helping their families offset the average cost of $2,000 to $3,000. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)
In Lagos, Nigeria, 10-year-old Princess Igbinosa faced the potential end of her dreams to become a model after a severe accident broke her right leg in 2020. Her mother, Esther Igbinosa, recounted the heartbreaking moment when doctors suggested amputation. However, Princess is now able to walk and pursue her aspirations, thanks to a prosthetic leg provided by the IREDE Foundation. This Nigerian organization offers free artificial limbs, typically valued between $2,000 and $3,000, to children in need.
Founded in Lagos in 2012, the IREDE Foundation has delivered over 500 no-cost artificial limbs and provided psychosocial support to children like Princess, with up to 70% of its funding coming from crowdsourcing. Crystal Chigbu, the executive director, initiated the foundation based on her daughter's experience with limb deformity.
Children who have received assistance from the foundation can now achieve things beyond their imagination, according to Chigbu. While there is no precise data on the number of amputees in Nigeria, the IREDE Foundation addresses a critical need in a country where individuals with disabilities often confront stigma, and limb replacements contribute to greater acceptance within their communities.
Dr. Olasode Isreal-Akinmokun, an orthopedic surgeon, emphasizes the positive impact of advanced prosthetics that function nearly as effectively as natural limbs. Beyond providing artificial limbs, the IREDE Foundation actively educates communities about limb loss to combat stigma and fosters support groups for parents of affected children. Chigbu underscores the organization's commitment to changing societal attitudes towards disabilities, promoting acceptance, and acknowledging the abilities of individuals facing limb loss.
