Organization
Centre National d'Appareillage Orthopédique(CNAO)
Government national reference centre for orthopaedic rehabilitation in Senegal, providing prostheses, orthoses, physiotherapy, and functional re-adaptation to persons with physical disabilities since 1917. The CNAO also trains orthopaedic technicians and operates outreach clinics across the country.
About
The Centre National d'Appareillage Orthopédique (CNAO) traces its origins to 1917 and has served as Senegal's national reference institution for orthopaedic rehabilitation since it was transferred to Senegalese state management in 1974. Established as a Public Health Establishment (EPS) in 2004, the centre is located in Fann Résidence, Dakar.
What They Do
CNAO provides orthopaedic devices—prostheses, orthoses, foot-care appliances—alongside physiotherapy, functional re-adaptation sessions, and specialist medical consultations for persons with physical and motor disabilities. The centre trains orthopaedic technicians, conducts applied research in rehabilitation medicine, and supports regional centres across Senegal to extend access beyond Dakar.
Who They Serve
CNAO serves patients of all ages living with limb loss, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, post-polio syndrome, stroke sequelae, and other conditions requiring orthopaedic devices or physical rehabilitation. Services are provided at subsidised rates, making the centre a critical resource for low-income Senegalese.
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