Further training for orthopaedic technicians in Tunisia

If the process of democratic change is to be successful, it is crucial to improve people’s economic prospects. After all, it was high unemployment, particularly amongst young people, and the poor economic situation that helped trigger the demonstrations in Tunisia in December 2010. German expertise and funding is being used to provide training for orthopaedic technicians in Tunisia. Some 40 Tunisians started their training course on 24 January. The hope is also to help improve healthcare.

Many Libyans need orthopaedic aids
© sequa gGmbH

Many Libyans need orthopaedic aids

During a visit to Tunisia in March 2012, a delegation of German doctors was struck that there was great demand for training among the technicians at the CAO (Centre d’Appareillage Orthopédique, Centre for Orthopaedic Devices). The CAO is an agency of the Tunisian Ministry of Social Affairs providing services in the field of orthopaedic technology and making orthopaedic devices for more than 7000 patients a year. As a result of the uprising in Tunisia and the unrest in neighbouring countries, particularly in Libya, but also due to the large number of car accidents, the need for prostheses, ortheses and other aids has increased.

With this in mind, the partners CAO and sequa gGmbH presented a project plan to improve these aspects of orthopaedic medical care in Tunisia.

Germany is supporting training for Tunisian orthopaedic technicians
© Sequa gGmbH

Courses for orthopaedic technicians

Germany is supporting training for Tunisian orthopaedic technicians

Basic and further training

Theoretical and practical courses are designed to strengthen the technical skills of CAO staff (technicians and instructors). In January 2013, 45 CAO technicians are beginning a distance-learning training course, while orthopaedic technicians from Germany and other countries are organizing the practical aspects of the course. Of the CAO’s leading technicians, twelve have received sufficient training to acquire the highest qualification at international level. This means they can head a workshop and, even more importantly, they can work as instructors in the field of orthopaedic technology. Part of the project includes steps to modernize CAO’s equipment in Tunis and in its branches in Sousse and Sfax.

From manual to computer-assisted manufacture of lasts

The manual manufacture of lasts is to be at least partly computer-controlled in future

The manual manufacture of lasts is to be at least partly computer-controlled in future

The first pieces of equipment have been delivered to CAO, namely the CFAO machines for the shoemaker’s workshop. CFAO stands for Conception et Fabrication Assistée par Ordinateur, that is computer-assisted manufacture. Lasers are used to determine the shape of the necessary device and the carving process is also computer-assisted. The CAO needs the equipment to make lasts and insoles (for orthopaedic shoes) and it was supplied by the company go-tec in Münster. In late January, three of the firm’s staff will travel to Tunis to install the equipment and provide training for ten CAO shoemakers.

Last updated 24.01.2013