Conditions Leading to Disability in Developing Countries

80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries — UNPD

 

Infections that Lead to Amputation

If left untreated, infections can lead to complications that may necessitate amputation. Common causes include foot ulcers, gangrene from poor circulation, and sepsis (also known as blood poisoning). Amputations to the lower half of the body often lead to mobility difficulties, particularly in low-resourced countries.

Jose, in Costa Rica, had his left leg amputated due to an infection.

José Ramón, an 88-year-old man, had his left leg amputated below the knee due to an infection.

He lives alone in the most sparsely populated province in Costa Rica.

He did not have anyone to help him, nor did he have any mobility aids. Yet, he remained upbeat in spite of his economic and physical challenges.

One sweltering summer day, a volunteer made her way to his humble wooden house tucked away on a quiet, unpaved street.

When she arrived at the property, she found José Ramón in a rocking chair fashioned out of rebar and rattan, cheerfully waving at her through a thin barbed-wire fence.

Read more of José's story in this newsletter.