3D printing firm wants to revolutionize life for world's amputees

"I am 44-years-old and since I was born I have never used both hands," says Philip, a Kenyan primary school teacher.

He's emotional at the idea of finally being able to hold a book in one hand and a piece of chalk in the other at the same time….for the first time.

Then there's Consolacion, an 86-year-old woman in Madrid who's happy just to be able to hug her loved ones again.

She had given up on the heavy traditional prosthetic arms that had cost her thousands of euros and caused her pain and bruising when she tried to use them.

Her new 3D-printed arms weigh just 400 grams.

All this was made possible thanks to Spanish NGO 'Ayudame 3D' or 'Help me 3D,' a company that assists amputees in need across the globe.

Based in Madrid, the company uses 3D printing technology to help more than 500 people in over 65 countries worldwide.

How many amputees or people with missing limbs are there in the world?

Over 65 million people in the world live with an amputated limb according to the World Health Organisation. With conflicts raging from Ukraine to Gaza and the Congo Basin, 1.5 million victims a year are added to the number.

Ayudame 3D tries to help some of the most vulnerable people among them. Company founder Guillermo Gauna-Vivas said his inspiration came from his early career.

"I was a toymaker, I loved to create toys and other designs with my computer," he told CGTN. "When I bought a 3D printer in 2015 I realised that I could help people with this passion, with this knowledge that I learned."

"I first created an arm with no elbow, printed five of them, put them in my luggage and went to Kenya to give them to five people there.

"They worked perfectly and it was amazing to see the reaction of these people."

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‌Traditional and modern prosthetic limbs can be expensive, costing as much as US$15,000, and 3D printing technology has made it possible to create life-changing limbs tailor-made and individually fit for people with specific needs at a fraction of previous costs.

Arms, legs, hands, are made from simple designs using elastics and cables, and now offer advanced solutions with greater movement.

From the simple joy of being able to lift a cup or eat with two hands to being able to work making and mending clothes, or driving a motorcycle again and putting food on the table for families, these 3D-printed limbs are life-savers.

How to use a 3D printer to change lives: Community and solidarity

So where does the money come from?

It all works through a culture of solidarity: donations, corporate partnerships, and a network of 'Helpers3D' as they are known.

Over 120 people in Spain with 3D printers at home or in the office help with the design and printing of the limbs, a collaborative effort that has helped hundreds around the world.

With five million amputees in Africa, now Ayudame 3D are also teaching teams to use the tech on-site in Kenya, Uganda, and beyond.

The company has set up a '3DLab' in Kenya which helps local people onsite.

Gauna-Vivas told CGTN that one of the most important and difficult tasks is finding people who need help, as most are oblivious to the existence of this tech and how it can help.

Nelson from the firm's Kenyan lab welcomed CGTN via video call and showed us the lab, complete with a number of 3D printers provided by Ayudame 3D.

"The main activity, the purpose of this lab is to print the prosthetic arm. We have several activities, this being the main activity," he explained.

Educational campaigns, community outreach and providing employment opportunities are high on the list of priorities too.

"Far too long people have been left behind with a disability in terms of working, in terms of doing the small small things that they can't do without an arm," Nelson continued.

Helping conflict victims

Asked if the company is going to help in current conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza, Gauna-Vivas didn't hesitate.

"We want to help wherever there is conflict, for example in Ukraine, but we waited for some months because we thought the important part first is housing and food and now in Gaza it's the same," he said. 

"We need everyone to be safe first, to cease fire, and then we could help as many people as we can. This is our main goal always."

The Ayudame 3D founder said the firm collaborates with NGOs in many countries. "Thanks to that it's not necessary for us to go there, we are just waiting, teaching them how to take the measurements, how to take pictures for us, then we design and create the limbs here and send directly to the people, to the children who need this kind of help."

Ayudame 3D has received recognition from Spain's royal family, and was awarded the European Parliament's 'European Citizens Prize' in October 2023 through the 'Changing Minds' initiative

But perhaps the greatest reward comes from the people who have received help.

"This is a special sacrifice towards humanity," Philip, the Kenyan primary school teacher, said on receiving his prosthetic hand.

"I am really proud for this gentleman who has done great things. I say 'thank you very much, may God open other avenues for you, and you have already opened big dreams for me.'"

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