IMEA CPO in Review: 2025 — Growth, Innovation, and Human Impact in O&P

As 2025 comes to a close, IMEA CPO stands out as a vibrant platform that captured diverse stories, innovations, challenges, and breakthroughs across the Orthotics & Prosthetics (O&P) ecosystem in the India, Middle East, and Africa region. From clinical advances to human-interest narratives, from technological disruptions to community and regional advocacy, the year reflected both the promise and complexity of enhancing mobility and independence across the IMEA region.

1. Regional and Human-Centred News: Amplifying Voices Across IMEA

One of the most consistent themes in 2025 was the publication of regional news and personal stories that brought depth to national and local struggles as well as triumphs:

• Stories of Strength and Resilience

The site featured stories of amputees and their communities — including para-athletes and amputee sports teams like the Gaza Sunbirds para-cycling team and footballers reclaiming hope amid adversity. These narratives highlighted how sport and community engagement help challenge stereotypes and foster identity beyond disability.

• Regional Challenges and Recovery

Reports from areas affected by conflict, such as in Gaza and Syria, highlighted ongoing struggles to rebuild lives due to shortages of prosthetic components and rehabilitation resources — underscoring how conflict amplifies vulnerability for people with limb loss.

• Innovation and Local Leadership

Profiles of innovators, such as Amohetsoe Shale, who has been recognised for her work in prosthetic innovation, demonstrated inspiring leadership emerging from within the region. Her achievements reflect a new generation of clinician-entrepreneurs pushing engineering and accessibility frontiers. 

2. Clinical Innovation and Care Trends

Across the clinical news categories, IMEA CPO highlighted a range of therapeutic advances and emerging technologies:

• Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologies

Articles on innovations such as AI-powered thermal imaging for diabetic foot risk and temperature-regulating prosthetic liners offered clinicians perspective on how new tools could improve outcomes — particularly in managing skin health, ulcer risk, and socket comfort.

• Orthotic Design Evolution

Coverage of orthotic design news emphasized how modern materials and robotics — from dynamic ankle joints to neural-enabled prosthetic arms — continue to redefine care protocols and expand functional possibilities for users. 

• Holistic Amputee Care

Editorials and newsletter features underscored the importance of holistic approaches to amputee care that combine psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and community engagement to improve long-term quality of life beyond technical fit. 

3. Technology, Digital Tools, and 3D Printing

The acceleration of digital innovation was another key trend in 2025:

• 3D Printing and Custom Fabrication

Consistent coverage championed the role of 3D printing in orthotic and prosthetic design, from custom-fit foot orthotics in Europe to 3D-printed solutions bringing mobility to children in conflict zones. These articles highlighted not only technological capability but also cost-effective, localized production approaches.

• Digital Transformation

ICEOS technology, AI platforms, and digital scanning were discussed in the context of enhancing clinical workflows, outcome measurement, and patient engagement — signaling a broader adoption of digital paradigms in clinical practice. 

4. Business, Policy and Industry Insights

The IMEA CPO editorial calendar in 2025 included business and industry news that helped contextualize broader market and organizational trends:

• Market Dynamics and Strategic Shifts

Articles examined how prosthetic companies are reinventing business models for African markets, responding to competitive pressures, growth forecasts, and evolving stakeholder expectations.

• Partnerships and Education

Articles highlighted collaborations between industry and professional organisations — including enhancements to certificate programmes, workforce training, and continuing education, all aimed at strengthening regional clinical capacity. 

• International Awareness

Engagement with global advocacy events like International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day 2025 reinforced the profession’s commitment to access, innovation, and quality in P&O products, while also boosting regional visibility. (IPOD 2025 theme: “Products — Advancing Access, Innovation, and Quality”).

5. Education, Community, and Professional Development

Responding to clinicians’ needs for continuous learning and engagement, IMEA CPO offered:

• Conferences and Knowledge-Sharing

References to global and regional conferences, webinars, and scientific meetings provided readers with opportunities for professional development and cross-border collaboration.

• CPO of the Week

Weekly highlights of O&P professionals across IMEA showcased the diversity of skills and the drive within the community, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and mutual inspiration.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2026 and Beyond

As the IMEA O&P community looks forward to 2026, several priorities emerge from the patterns of 2025:

• Strengthening Local Manufacturing & Innovation

Greater focus on localized production — including digital fabrication and 3D printing — could improve access to bespoke devices and reduce dependency on distant supply chains. 

• Evidence-Driven Clinical Practice

Increasing the body of longitudinal research on emerging technologies (e.g., liners, gait-assistance systems, AI diagnostics) will help clinicians adopt innovations with confidence and precision.

• Advocacy for Access and Inclusion

Expanding access through policy advocacy — including public awareness campaigns like IPOD — will be key to addressing systemic inequities in orthotic and prosthetic service delivery across the IMEA region. 

Conclusion

Throughout 2025, IMEA CPO played a pivotal role in documenting the intersection of innovation, community, clinical practice, and human experience across the IMEA orthotics and prosthetics landscape. Whether through deep-dive clinical insights, inspiring personal stories, regional challenges, or global advocacy ties, the year’s content reflects a profession that is increasingly connected, dynamic, and impactful.