Victoria Hand Project expands 3D-printed prosthetic services

The Victoria Hand Project, a charity based at the University of Victoria, is expanding its operations across West Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia to meet the rising demand for affordable prosthetics.

The non-profit utilizes 3D-printing technology to design functional prosthetic arms. Rather than simply delivering products, the organization ships 3D printers to partner organizations in developing countries and provides training to local staff on how to design, fit, maintain, and print the prosthetics to build sustainable local capacity.

Due to geopolitical shifts, the project has adjusted its regional focus. While operations in Haiti were suspended due to unrest, the organization has expanded its Middle Eastern presence. Since 2016, it has partnered with the Canadian Egyptian Hand Company in Cairo to serve Egyptian amputees and Palestinian refugees. The project is also exploring expansion into Jordan to support Gazan Palestinians receiving medical care there.