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Every year on November 5, the world celebrates International Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) Day — a moment to honor the professionals, innovators, and patients whose dedication to restoring mobility transforms lives. Supported globally by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) and embraced across the IMEA region (India–Middle East–Africa), this day recognizes not just a profession, but a calling: to help people move, live, and thrive.
The Heart of Rehabilitation: The People Behind Every Step
Across the IMEA region, thousands of orthotists, prosthetists, and rehabilitation specialists work every day to restore function and dignity. From teaching hospitals in India to rehabilitation centers in Saudi Arabia, from humanitarian missions in Gaza and Sudan to local O&P workshops in Kenya and Jordan — their work changes the trajectory of lives.
Their efforts go far beyond devices. Every prosthetic limb fitted, every brace adjusted, every smile restored represents the intersection of science, skill, and compassion. Today, we celebrate not only the outcomes but the hands and hearts that make them possible.
“Orthotics and prosthetics professionals across IMEA embody innovation and resilience,” says Bassam Seddiq, President of ISPO Saudi Arabia. “They are not just clinicians — they are agents of change helping shape inclusive societies.”
ISPO: A Global Network Supporting Local Impact
The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) plays a vital role in uniting the global O&P community, advancing education, and ensuring high-quality standards of care. Through its national member societies in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, India, Egypt, Nigeria, and beyond, ISPO fosters collaboration, research, and regional training initiatives.
In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), ISPO continues to advocate for stronger rehabilitation systems and equitable access to assistive technology — particularly in post-conflict and low-resource settings common across IMEA.
On this International O&P Day, ISPO calls on governments, industry leaders, and healthcare institutions to strengthen investment in rehabilitation education, digital transformation, and workforce development across the region.
The IMEA CPO Network: Leading with Purpose
The IMEA CPO community stands proud to be part of this global celebration. As a regional platform for Certified Prosthetists and Orthotists, IMEA CPO supports professional exchange, promotes indigenous innovation, and connects local talent with global expertise.
Through digital platforms, continuing education, and regional events — including recent initiatives in Jordan, Riyadh, and Cairo — IMEA CPO reinforces a shared vision: to ensure mobility for all through accessible, ethical, and patient-centered O&P services.
“The IMEA region is rich with talent, compassion, and innovation,” says Dr. Nachi Chockalingham, ISPO Assistive Technology Advisor. “By celebrating our clinicians and educators, we also commit to the next generation of professionals who will carry forward this life-changing work.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Innovation and Inclusion
From 3D scanning and additive manufacturing to new training models and humanitarian outreach, the IMEA region is emerging as a vibrant hub for O&P advancement. The future will belong to those who combine technology with empathy — a principle at the core of both ISPO and IMEA CPO’s mission.
This November 5, let’s celebrate every orthotist, prosthetist, technician, and rehabilitation specialist shaping a more mobile and inclusive world. Every step they enable tells a story — of courage, capability, and community.
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