Viva Air Foundation & Humanos 3D Team Up To Provide Custom Prosthetics To Valledupar Youth

25 Valledupar residents now have new custom prosthetics thanks to high-tech charity Humanos 3D and the Viva Air Foundation. Last week, a team of specialists from the Medellín-based charity traveled to the capital of Colombia’s Cesar department in coordination with the local mayor’s office to deliver customized prosthetics printed in Medellín using the latest 3D printing technology.

“I saw a need with this type of work, and I undertook the social project to help some children. After the first deliveries, we received many calls from Colombia and the program grew with the support of students and engineers who joined this initiative,” said Adam Armfield (above, 2nd from right), the charity’s Australian founder.

Last year, Humanos 3D delivered 60 customized prosthetic limbs. This year, they hope to fabricate and donate at least 100. Prosthetics of this type can cost almost $2,000 USD in Colombia, but due to financial and logistical support from benefactors such as the Viva Air Foundation and the Australian Embassy, they provide the devices at no cost to the beneficiary.

“This year we have delivered 70 prostheses. In other words, in the middle of the year we have surpassed the impact we had last year,” added Armfield.

“My daughter is five years old and she was born with a physical deformity in her hand. When she saw the prosthesis, she shouted: “I want my little hand!” When they put it on, she began to play with dice,” said María Sánchez, mother of one of the beneficiaries.