COPE

who we are

In Laos, if you need an artificial limb (prosthesis), a limb support device (an orthosis), a walking aid or a wheelchair, you go to COPE (Co-operative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise). COPE is currently the main source of these devices in the country and serves those injured by unexploded ordnance (UXO) as well as in traffic and other accidents.

COPE was established in 1997 as a joint venture between the Ministry of Health and a number of international organizations concerned with disability in Laos. The operation is directed entirely by COPE staff, who work with the staff of the National Rehabilitation Centre in Vientiane and four provincial Rehabilitation Centres located in Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet and Pakse.

what we do

Every year there are new casualties from UXO in Laos, despite the fact that the war ended in 1975. With higher prices for scrap metal and millions of UXO still lying around, poor and disadvantaged people are tempted to disarm them to salvage the scrap metal. Inevitably there are casualties, especially among adult males who often have families dependent on them.  A sad trend is the increase in the numbers of child victims, as they attempt to increase family income from scrap metal.

Since COPE's inception, the number of patients we serve has risen tenfold, from 138 a year to nearly 1,500. We have trained 14 Lao people to international standards in prosthetic and orthotic procedures and introduced inexpensive and robust technology for making and repairing artificial limbs and support devices. 

A Visitor Centre is scheduled to open in 2008 in Vientiane, enabling visitors to understand what happens to victims of UXO and the rehabilitation processes they go through.