Orthopedic footwear project aims to prevent diabetic amputations

Save our Soles Charitable Trust, in association with The Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados, The Diabetes Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Barbados South, has launched the Orthopedic Footwear and Limb Salvage Project, which aims to provide support for people with diabetic foot disease and help prevent amputations.

It emphasises disease prevention and proper foot care.

Each year, Barbados sees a rise in amputations due to complications from diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

To combat this, a generous donation of over 4 000 pairs of medically appropriate shoes for diabetics has been secured from Samaritan Feet, an international charitable organisation. These shoes will be distributed free of cost to individuals in need across Barbados, helping to reduce the incidence of amputations and related foot care issues.

The initiative was inspired by insights from Podiatrist Simone McConnie of Save our Soles Charitable Trust, who highlighted the urgent need for education, enhanced support, and proper footwear for individuals suffering from diabetic foot disease. At a Rotary Club meeting, her presentation, Updates on the Diabetic Foot in the Caribbean Region – Moving Forward!, underscored the lack of access to appropriate footwear due to limited availability and high costs.

At least 2 000 diabetics will receive two pairs of medically appropriate footwear each, along with essential education on diabetic foot self-care, through the initiative.

The project will emphasise the importance of proper shoe fitting and wearing to prevent diabetic foot complications.

By providing access to appropriate footwear and self-care knowledge, the initiative aims to reduce the need for limb amputations among diabetics in Barbados.

To ensure the sustainability of this effort, comprehensive data collection on the entire process—from shipment to final distribution—will be maintained. This information will be shared with Samaritan Feet, supporting future donations and potential expansion of the initiative. If successful, Barbados could become a regular recipient of orthopedic footwear donations, with the potential to serve as a hub for distribution throughout theCaribbean.

Samaritan Feet, based in the United States, has a longstanding history of generosity and impactful donations. Their partnership with Barbados provides a unique opportunity to supply medically necessary orthopedic footwear that would otherwise be difficult to procure. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has expressed eagerness to collaborate, further strengthening the project’s impact.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in preventing diabetic foot amputations in Barbados,” said McConnie. “With the support of our partners and the generosity of Samaritan Feet, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by diabetic foot disease.”

(PR)