Access to human rights for persons using prosthetic and orthotic assistive devices in Sierra Leone

There is still a need for improved access to medical care when needed for persons with lower limb physical disability in Sierra Leone. Better access to food and clean water are also necessary to facilitate a standard of living adequate for health, to realize the health rights of persons with disabilities.Implications for rehabilitationIn Sierra Leone, persons with disabilities need a source of regular income to access basic needs, including clean water, access to food, medical care, and medications which should be considered in addition to providing rehabilitation services.To facilitate implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Sierra Leone's health system needs to be strengthened: an increased number of healthcare staff should be educated, knowledge of disability should be improved in the general public to reduce negative attitudes toward persons with disabilities, persons with disabilities should be included in mainstream health services, and national development policies should target sustainable development goals to a greater extent than during the millennium development goal era.