Around one third of the Peruvian population lives in poverty and has limited access to education and medical treatment such as orthopaedic technology devices. For four years, the Ottobock Global Foundation has been supporting the Diospi Suyana mission hospital in the Peruvian Andes, where our former colleague Christian Haupt provides children and young people with orthoses and prostheses. This laid the foundation for establishing a medical technology infrastructure in Peru, which Christian Haupt supports sustainably with his expertise – as a master O&P professional and trainer.

He worked at the Ottobock Patient Care Center in Göttingen for 14 years – from his training to becoming an O&P professional. He has thus prepared himself optimally for his future task. For four years now, the mountain region has been the new adopted home for Christian and his family. His workplace: the orthopaedic technology workshop "Centro de Ortopedia" in the Hospital Diospi Suyana – one of the most modern hospitals in Peru, which is financed exclusively by donations. His vocation: to give people with disabilities hope in one of the poorest regions of the world with the help of the latest technology and to open up new perspectives for them. With his trainee Alex Ávalos Quispe, the region has now gained a trainee expert in this field.

Sharing knowledge

"In Germany, we would call him a cutting machine operator, a blacksmith or a toolmaker," says Christian about the qualifications of his new colleague Alex. Alex comes from the small Peruvian mountain village of Curahuasi. As one of three sons of a toolmaker, he learned welding techniques that he was later able to apply in the maintenance team of the local hospital Diospi Suyana.

When Daniel Müller, founder of the affiliated "Centro de Ortopedia" and Christian's partner at the time, moved on to the Peruvian rainforest for a new project, Alex's craftsmanship was a blessing for Christian. He supported Christian once a week in his tasks, for which he often needs four hands. For Alex, it was clear that he would like to learn this profession. After about six weeks of intensive search for an apprenticeship, Christian found the right solution at the University of Don Bosco in El Salvador: It offers a two-and-a-half-year distance learning course with an internationally recognized degree.

“Working with Christian and being close to the user has sparked a passion for orthopaedic technology. I always wanted to work in a practical way that helps people with disabilities. As a budding O&P professional, I also have the opportunity to explore technical and digital fitting solutions – the perfect combination for me.” (Alex Ávalos Quispe)

To finance his training, Christian submitted a grant application approved by the Else Kröner Fresenius Foundation. The degree program is characterised by a high level of practical experience. Alex will travel to El Salvador five times during his studies to prove his practical know-how in front of the examination board. He will also complete a virtual study course. We wish Alex every success!

"We look forward to continuing to be there for our users together in the "Centro de Ortopedia" in the future. Helping people with disabilities improve their quality of everyday life with our expertise and the support of the Ottobock Global Foundation is and will remain a matter close to our hearts,” Christian and Alex promise.

Further information:

As members of the United German Missionary Aid, Christian and his wife Christina Haupt report here on their personal mission in Peru and give an insight into their daily work. 

You can find more information about the "Centro de Ortopedia", Christian Haupt's team and support options here.