50 Years of CNAO: Honoring the Past, Building an Inclusive Future for People with Disabilities in Togo

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Extract from the article: The National Orthopedic Appliance Center (CNAO) officially launched its golden jubilee festivities this Wednesday, November 6, 2024, marking 50 years of service dedicated to people with disabilities in Togo. This event, held at CNAO’s....

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The National Orthopedic Appliance Center (CNAO) officially launched its golden jubilee festivities this Wednesday, November 6, 2024, marking 50 years of service dedicated to people with disabilities in Togo. This event, held at CNAO’s headquarters in Lomé, revolves around the inspiring theme: "50 Years of Service: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future." The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Koffi Agbétiafa, Prefectural Health Director, representing the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, and was attended by the Director of Disabled Persons, representing the Ministry of Social Action, Solidarity, and the Promotion of Women, as well as the Chairman of the Board of the Togolese Federation of Associations of People with Disabilities (FETAPH).

Founded in 1974, the CNAO has become a vital part of the Togolese health system, specializing in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. "Indeed, only 2% of people with disabilities in Togo have access to available services, even though they make up 15% of the population. This reality drives us to redouble our efforts so that CNAO’s future meets the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Every day, we receive requests for essential assistance and services, and while our resources are limited, this celebration is an opportunity to lend a helping hand to these individuals," said Nakuyo Luc, Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

CNAO Director Tokpessa Lakna added that this anniversary is also an opportunity to reflect on past achievements while projecting the center toward a future with even more accessible services. "Our major innovation lies in the digitization of our services, which will enable easier access to care for all who visit the center," he emphasized.

The three-month-long festivities will include a roundtable with CNAO’s partners to present tangible results and outline the vision for the next 50 years. A three-year plan will be introduced, and open house days will offer discounts of up to 90% based on the needs of people with disabilities, along with free consultations. The program will also feature recreational activities in partnership with FETAPH, including football matches, races, and an inclusive walk.

Dr. Koffi Agbétiafa, Prefectural Health Director of Golfe, underscored the importance of social inclusion in the health sector, stating, "People with disabilities should not be viewed as different but rather integrated into a non-stigmatizing and equitable approach in everyday life."

In a spirit of solidarity, CNAO will provide free consultations to 250 people with disabilities from December 9 to 13, 2024. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee specified that beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to share their feedback on CNAO's services, offering insights for the future.

"By the end of this celebration, CNAO hopes to reach over 500 people with disabilities directly. Since gaining administrative autonomy in 2008, CNAO has incorporated various services, expanding from orthopedic appliance improvements to a range of services including physiotherapy, orthopedics, occupational therapy, psychology, and social services, aiming to provide comprehensive care for people with disabilities," added Dr. Tokpessa Lakna, CNAO’s Director.

The golden jubilee thus marks a turning point in CNAO’s history, laying the foundations for an ambitious future where services will be even more inclusive and tailored to the evolving needs of its beneficiaries.

Raymond DZAKPATA