In Dakar, 15-year-old Boubacar Barry’s return to school highlights how access to assistive technologies can transform lives. After nearly nine years of severe mobility limitations that kept him out of school and socially isolated, he has regained independence and confidence following the provision of a prosthesis. His experience reflects a broader challenge in Senegal, where many people still lack access to essential assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, glasses, prostheses, and orthoses. These tools are critical for restoring mobility and function, preventing long-term exclusion, and enabling participation in education, work, and community life.
A 2021 national survey found that more than 60% of people in need of assistive technologies in Senegal did not have access to them, mainly due to cost, unequal availability, and social stigma. In response, Senegal launched the Bokk Naa Cii project in 2023 with support from international partners, aiming to expand access to assistive devices and strengthen rehabilitation services within the health system. The initiative has already reached nearly 30,000 people through assessments, follow-ups, and device provision, including about 7,000 individuals who received assistive products.
Among the beneficiaries, Boubacar received a prosthesis after losing his leg due to a snake bite and facing years of interrupted schooling and dependency. His rehabilitation was supported by the National Orthopedic Appliance Centre, which helped him relearn mobility and reintegrate into school life. His transformation illustrates the impact of combining medical support with community reintegration efforts, allowing children like him to rebuild their futures.
Support from the World Health Organization and partners has also strengthened Senegal’s rehabilitation system through funding, training of health professionals, and expansion of service centres. Thousands of assistive devices have been distributed in recent years, alongside large-scale vision and hearing screenings to identify needs early. Health authorities emphasize that assistive technologies should be treated as a right rather than a privilege, ensuring long-term access for those who need them.
Today, Boubacar has returned to school, participates in daily activities, and interacts confidently with peers, marking a full shift from isolation to inclusion. His goal of studying business reflects a renewed sense of possibility made achievable through timely access to rehabilitation and assistive care.
