Palestinian kids get prosthetic arms from a Pakistani startup.
In good news, a Pakistani tech startup, Bioniks, has provided 3D-printed prosthetic limbs to two young girls from Gaza who lost their arms during Israeli airstrikes, marking the company’s first international humanitarian mission.
Injured in attack
Eight-year-old Sidra Al Bordeeni and three-year-old Habebat Allah were severely injured in separate attacks in 2023.
Their new prosthetic arms were created in Karachi using 3D modeling technology and delivered to them at a refugee camp in Jordan by Bioniks CEO Anas Niaz.
The limbs were designed remotely through a smartphone app, which allows the company to model and customize prosthetics without the need for in-person measurements.
Sidra’s prosthetic was funded by the Mafaz Clinic in Amman, while donations from Pakistan paid for Habebat’s.
Sidra, who lost her arm while sheltering at a Gaza school, was able to ride a bike for the first time since the attack after receiving her new arm.
“I’m most excited to finally hug my father with both arms,” she said.
Gaza has recorded thousands of child amputees since the start of the war. With the region’s healthcare system overwhelmed, Bioniks’ low-cost, remote-fitting technology is filling a critical gap.
The company plans to expand similar services to other conflict zones like Ukraine, offering functional, affordable prosthetics to children in need.
