After a series of personalized assessments, Boubacar's prosthesis was custom-made, carefully fitted, and then tested. Photo: WHO Senegal
In Senegal, 62.6% of people who need assistive technology remain unable to access it. This stark reality is mirrored across Africa, where over 200 million people require assistive technology, but only 15-25% can access it due to- among other barriers- financial barriers, geographical inequalities, and stigma.
A Wolof phrase: “Bokk Na Ci" – "I am included," "I am taking part," Is the name and the driving force behind Senegal’s ambitious national programme, launched in 2023 by the National Center for Orthopedic Services (CNAO), supported by ATscale, in partnership with WHO, and UNICEF, to transform access to assistive technology (AT) and support people with disabilities.
Boubacar’s long journey: From isolation to inclusion
The story of 15-year-old Boubacar Barry is an example of the struggles faced by many Senegalese people and the transformative impact of the “Bokk Na Ci” programme.
At the age of six, after a snake bite, he had his right leg amputated. Photo: WHO Senegal
Boubacar lost his parents in his early years. At the age of six, after a snake bite, he had his right leg amputated. For nine long years, Boubacar lived without an appropriate prosthesis. He faced a life of isolation. Walking with crutches in a rough and inaccessible environment was difficult, and attending school seemed impossible. “I was sad all the time. I thought I would never walk like other children again,” Boubacar recalls, his voice filled with emotion. His days were spent mainly at home, his potential limited by a lack of access to the assistive technology he desperately needed. “Before, I stayed at home,” he says. “Now, I’m happy to go back to school.”
Boubacar is just one of 1,389 people in Senegal who received life-changing assistive technology in the past year thanks to the Bokk Na Ci programme.
Beyond acronyms: A name that resonates
The programme's name, “Bokk Na Ci,” is more than just a catchy title. It’s a carefully chosen expression that reflects the programme's core philosophy: true inclusion is achieved when every stakeholder actively participates in building solutions. This participatory approach is woven into every aspect of the initiative, from policy development to service delivery.
“We wanted a name that captured the spirit of collaboration and ownership,” explains Ameth Gadiaga, Project Lead at the WHO Country Office, programme partner. “Bokk Na Ci speaks to the idea that everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive society.” It calls for a fundamental change in mindset, a dedication to participation, and a readiness to reach and include those who have been left behind.
The goal of Bokk Na Ci is ambitious: to break down barriers to assistive technology for mobility, vision, and hearing, and improve equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable essential assistive technology across the country.
The programme's strategic objectives follow a systems strengthening approach:
Strengthening governance and political leadership: Supporting the government in developing inclusive policies and in leading the change.
Increasing the availability and affordability of high-quality assistive products: Making sure that AT is accessible to all who need it.
Improving the availability of qualified personnel at all levels and expanding service coverage: Building a skilled workforce to deliver AT services across the country.
A key turning point in the programme has been restructuring of the National Center for Orthopedic Services (CNAO) with new leadership- Médecin Colonel Seydina Ousmane BA, under the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene (MHPH).
“Dr BA’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the Bokk Na Ci agenda forward,” says Ameth Gadiaga. “His vision and commitment have inspired us all.”
This leadership is anchored by an inter-ministerial steering committee at the national level, which brings together the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, and critical civil society voices, including the Senegalese Federation of organizations of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, seven regional accessibility committees for assistive technology have been established in Ziguinchor, Kolda, Tambacounda, Thies, Louga, Saint-Louis, and Kaolack, expanding the governance structure’s reach across the entire country—a true testament to the Bokk Na Ci spirit of inclusion.
Reaching the unreached: Mobile services and workforce development
Since its inception, the Bokk Na Ci programme has delivered tangible results, particularly in reaching underserved populations. US$110,000 in orthopedic materials were delivered through CNAO, and to expand services into areas with no rehabilitation centers, two vehicles are being deployed to establish mobile units.
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the programme has also invested heavily in training. 61 professionals have been trained in orthopedic services. 13 rehabilitation centers are supervised nationwide. Social assessments have been strengthened to ensure financial support matches individual needs.
It was this network, strengthened by Bokk Na Ci, that ultimately led to Boubacar’s rescue. A video shared on social media, highlighting Boubacar’s plight, reached the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, which, in turn, contacted the CNAO.
Swiftly, and thanks to the support of the Bokk Na Ci project, Boubacar was taken into care. In one year, 214 people have received custom prostheses, and 1,058 people have received custom orthoses.“For Boubacar, the prosthesis wasn’t just a medical tool,” explains Dr. Seydina Ousmane Ba, Director of the CNAO. “It was the key that would allow him to walk to school, regain his dignity, and reintegrate into society.”
Boubacar received a custom-made prosthesis. After rigorous evaluation, fitting, and training with specialists, he took his first assured steps. “Tata, regarde, je marche! Auntie, look, I am walking !” he exclaimed to his aunt, his eyes shining.
Now, Boubacar is back in school, pursuing an education he thought he had lost, with his classmates helping him to catch up. He dreams of studying commerce and building a brighter future for himself.
Boubacar with his friends. Photo: WHO Senegal
“My life has completely changed, and I’m truly happy. I feel like other children now,” says Boubacar, his face beaming with confidence.
Unlocking sustainable change
The success of Bokk Na Ci is a shared responsibility, and the Senegalese government’s financial commitment underscores its long-term vision to make AT affordable and accessible to those who need it. The government has committed US$4.3M over 4 years + US$1.5M for 2025, according to Dr Seydina Ousmane BA, Director of CNAO.
During the past year, the programme has delivered:
Orthoses: 1,058
Prostheses: 214
Spectacles/Eyeglasses: 67
Wheelchairs: 40
Hearing Aids: 10
The journey continues: A target of 50,000
While the programme has made significant strides, the journey continues. The target is to reach 50,000 children and adults awaiting vision, hearing and mobility services. With strong government leadership, commitment and coordinated partnership, Senegal is showing what’s possible.
As Boubacar himself says, “My life has completely changed and I’m truly happy. I feel like other children now. I’m no longer excluded.” His words are a testament to the transformative power of Bokk Na Ci and hope for the thousands more who await their chance to participate fully in Senegalese society.
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Senegal: Boubacar, a new lease on life thanks to a prosthesis