Namibia has joined the global community in commemorating International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day, highlighting the importance of rehabilitation services in restoring mobility, promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) says rehabilitation must go beyond physical recovery to include emotional and psychological support.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ministry's Executive Director, Naemi Shoopala, Director of Primary Health Care Services, stressed that rehabilitation extends beyond physical recovery and must include emotional and psychological support to help individuals overcome trauma.

Dr. Shoopala said mobility, inclusion and dignity should be upheld for every Namibian, regardless of physical or psychological ability.

"We always walk along with the heart doctors. I call them the heart doctors. The social workers, the psychologists, and the people who help us to go through trauma and to heal from them."

Deputy Director of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, Dr Christopher Likando, explained that prosthetics involve assessing, designing, manufacturing and fitting artificial limbs for people who have lost limbs due to injuries, congenital conditions or vascular diseases.

He said the devices are produced locally by Namibian professionals, demonstrating the country's capacity to provide specialised rehabilitation services.

" Prosthetics and orthotics is a specialised healthcare rehabilitation field that combines clinical assessment, biomechanics and engineering to be able to improve mobility, independence and quality of life."

Senior Social Worker Hilde Kamburute called on the public to show compassion and support towards people with disabilities and those with special needs.

She acknowledged the challenges of caring for people with disabilities and urged the public to show understanding and kindness towards those using wheelchairs or crutches.

"So I want to remind us today that we are extraordinary beings, and I want us to look like that."

"I'm able to stand in front of you today because he has assisted me from the depths. I'm a diabetic patient, and I've been living with diabetes for 29 years, and I thank God. The leg that is not present on my body today was pressed by the shoe on my little finger, the little toe finger, and I didn't know that diabetes could cause me so much trouble, explained patient Lorencia Jonkers.

The day was commemorated on Friday under the theme "Putting People First: Inclusion, Empowerment and Mobility".