Tanzania’s Rising Diabetes-Related Limb Amputation Crisis
Tanzania faces a troubling increase in diabetes-related limb amputations, with 60 percent of all amputations attributed to diabetes. Dr. Donald Mchihiyo of CCBRT Hospital outlines the management and challenges in providing prosthetic limbs, including the financial constraints faced by hospitals and the diverse costs of prosthetics. Counseling and training for amputees are integral to their rehabilitation.
Tanzania is experiencing an alarming increase in limb amputations attributed to diabetes, which now accounts for 60 percent of all amputations in the country. Dr. Donald Mchihiyo, a Prosthetics and Assistive Devices Specialist at CCBRT Hospital, emphasized that all amputees will require prosthetic limbs. This rise in diabetes-related disabilities surpasses those resulting from accidents and other medical conditions.
In an interview conducted on March 6, 2025, Dr. Mchihiyo highlighted that the remaining 40 percent of amputations arise from birth defects and accidents, with 35 percent of these accidents occurring among individuals aged 20 to 45. He noted that motorcycle crashes, particularly bodaboda incidents, are a significant contributor to these accidents.
Dr. Mchihiyo elaborated on the factors leading to amputations among diabetic patients, primarily due to undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes, which can lead to non-healing wounds and ulcers. These wound complications often necessitate amputations, resulting in permanent disabilities. He explained the importance of determining areas with proper blood circulation to mitigate the worsening condition of affected limbs.
The capacity of CCBRT Hospital to assist diabetic patients with prosthetic limbs is limited by financial constraints. Ideally, the hospital aims to provide prosthetics for nine patients each month but often falls short, providing only four or five due to resource limitations. When funds allow, they can cater to more individuals, although they only have a small team of specialized professionals.
Children needing prosthetic support may begin receiving assistance as early as two years old, and they must undergo counseling prior to amputation to help them understand their situation and the implications of the procedure. This guidance is crucial in preparing patients for the adjustment to their new reality.
After counseling, patients undergo assessments for the appropriate prosthetic fit, followed by training on its use and regular follow-ups to monitor changes affecting the prosthetic’s fit. Despite their commitment, the hospital faces significant challenges, such as the lack of local prosthetic manufacturing capabilities, which forces reliance on imported materials.
The costs associated with prosthetic limbs vary widely depending on the type of amputation or congenital limb deficiency. For above-the-knee prosthetics, prices range from Sh2.4 million to Sh20 million, whereas below-the-knee prosthetic limbs cost between Sh1.2 million and Sh2.5 million. Moreover, partial foot prosthetics are priced around Sh500,000, demonstrating a broad range of costs based on the specific needs and quality of materials required.
Tanzania is grappling with a significant rise in diabetes-related amputations, highlighting the urgent need for improved diabetes management and access to prosthetic care. Dr. Donald Mchihiyo’s insights reveal a critical situation where resource limitations impede the hospital’s capacity to assist amputees effectively. Efforts to enhance awareness, improve access to care, and establish local manufacturing capabilities for prosthetics are necessary to alleviate this escalating health crisis.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
