Assessing the economic, technical and commercial feasibility of developing a lightweight, low-cost, industry-leading upper limb prosthetic for Sierra Leone and wider region

After years of regional conflict, Sierra Leone has one of the highest rates of upper limb amputees in the world, with an estimated \>90% having no access to viable prostheses, preventing the fulfilment of normal activities impacting employment, self-esteem, and social acceptance.

Building on a validated concept developed for the UK market, Koalaa Ltd (Koalaa)-a UK spin-out from Imperial College- seeks to address an unmet, global humanitarian need with the development of easy-to-use, ultra-lightweight, durable and low-cost(\>20x more affordable than current solutions) prosthetic specifically designed for the African market.

Utilising a non-bespoke approach and and patented fabric-based socket design, the upper limb prosthesis is suitable for all stump sizes and deliver three key innovations;

* Highly-flexible and comfortable=extend lifespan, reduces abandonment rates, grows with user.
* Self-fitting=removes the need for clinic/clinician involvement,
* Eliminates expensive, rigid materials=80% weight reduction vs current solutions at significantly lower cost

In partnership with the on-the-ground disability partners, Leonard Cheshire(LS) and Melqosh Mission(MM), and with National Government support, Koalaa will undertake a 6-month feasibility study (including 30-patient trial) to identify the technical, commercial and financial feasibility of adapting the technology to region, as well as the logistical, regulatory and geographically challenges to manufacture and sell the prosthesis in-country.