A Leg to Stand On – A story of unlimited dedication with limited resources

ALTSO Project Pakistan

The ‘A Leg to Stand On’( ALTSO) Project which is headed by the Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, aims to provide free artificial limbs and appliances to children who come from low income families. The project, which started in 2011 has, so far, provided a massive 806 children with new prosthetic limbs or appliances. In 2014 alone 382 children were given free help and support.

One of those children was Faiza. Faiza lives with her family in the capital Lahore and has four sisters and two brothers. Her father is a rickshaw driver who earns around $150 per month. When Faiza contracted polio aged 2 years, her family were obviously devastated. With both her legs affected, Faiza could no longer stand, let alone walk. With a small income and many mouths to feed the family were unable to pay for the expensive orthotic devices she would need in order to lead a normal life.

However, after being taken to the PSRD and enrolled on the ALTSO project, she was provided with the devices she needed to be able to use her legs, alongside physical training. After some months of rehabilitation Faiza can now stand, walk and play with her brothers and sisters as well as her friends. Without this help Faiza’s quality of life would mean she would be dependent on her family and unable to lead a fulfilling and productive life. This is just one story, of 806 different children and families whose lives have been changed by the wonderful work of PSRD and the ALSTO Project.

The BJD would like to congratulate all of those who are involved in this project. To read more about ALTSO and the other amazing achievements of the PSRD please visit their page here. The Bone and Joint Decade is proud to have the PSRD as its National Action Network in Pakistan.