3D Program
In brief
The 3D program highlights the use of digital technologies, such as surface scanning, 3D printing, and telerehabilitation—as key tools to improve access to assistive devices for patients in need.
We focus particularly on upper-limb amputees, like in Jordan, where prosthetic arms are fully 3D-printed. We also support burn victims with facial and neck injuries in Jordan, Gaza, Syria, and Haiti, where transparent compression orthoses are produced using the same technologies. Our goal is to provide patients with high-quality devices, along with tailored rehabilitation care.
Since the program began, nearly 500 patients have benefited from these various devices.
Status of the project
Video
News
In detail
Upper Limb Prosthetics
In Amman, Jordan, upper limb prosthetics are now fully 3D-printed. Patients are supported by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, engineer, and orthotist/prosthetist). In addition to prosthetics, assistive devices or small tools tailored to each patient's specific needs are designed and created to help them in their daily life.
This pilot project in Amman has demonstrated since June 2017 that 3D printing of prosthetics is a deployable, accessible, and adaptable tool for our fieldwork, offering an affordable alternative to conventional manufacturing methods.
Compression Masks
Building on this success, the 3D program expanded to include the design of compression masks for the face and neck of burn victims. It was introduced in Amman in 2018, followed by deployment in Haiti in 2019, Gaza in 2020 (suspended since October 2023), and Syria in 2025.
Facial burns can lead to severe long-term consequences (skin contractures and hypertrophy causing functional, aesthetic, and social impacts) if not treated with compression masks and thorough patient follow-up. Here too, 3D technology, particularly surface scanning, enables earlier and more comfortable care compared to conventional methods. This is followed by precise computer modeling, with remote technical support via telemedicine if necessary.
Deployment
The 3D program aims to foster the gradual autonomy of our teams in the field. Initially, they receive training and support from MSF teams, as well as external experts and partners, for designing assistive devices and developing care strategies. Over time, local teams become self-sufficient in using 3D technologies, while continuing to benefit from the Foundation's support. This system also encourages collaboration between the programs in Amman, Haiti, Gaza, and Syria.
In parallel, the Foundation launched a regional 3D project in the Middle East in 2023 to prevent gaps in patient follow-up and develop local care solutions in different regions.
Research Study on Compression Masks in Haiti
Patient follow-up
How does it work?
The main stages of the program
3D programm in pictures
Our partners
The team
Contribute
You wish to specifically support the development of this project ? Contact Catherine Béchereau - Loyalty and Philanthropy Manager 01 40 21 56 88 - [email protected]
our other projects
RDTs : Measles and meningitis
DiaTROPIX is a new platform for the development and production of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) at the Institut Pasteur in Dakar. This non-profit initiative aims to produce new rapid diagnostic tests that can be made available in countries where access to laboratory diagnosis is low or non-existent.
The MSF Foundation is financing and supporting the development by DiaTROPIX of two new RDTs for measles and meningitis. These two diseases with high epidemic potential represent a real public health problem in countries in which MSF conducts medical programmes, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Alert-Epidemics
Alerte-Epidemics is a system for processing and notifying alerts to detect and respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases, including measles, meningitis, cholera, and COVID-19, in fragile settings.
The project was implemented between 2020 and 2024.
Developing rehabiliation care
Physiotherapy has been part of MSF activities for years, mostly regarding trauma and burns. The MSF Foundation launched in 2017 the 3D printing project and advance practice in rehabilitation for burn faces and upper limb prosthetics. In coordination with ops and medical team in MSF, the MSF Foundation will develop new activities and support initiatives from the field to better integrate physiotherapy in our offer of care, especially regarding pediatrics, women health and burn rehabilitation.
Antibiogo
Antibiogo is a diagnostic aid medical device that aims to help doctors prescribe the most effective antibiotics to their patients. It is available as a free, open source and offline Android application. It allows non-expert laboratory technicians to measure and interpret antibiograms. It provides accurate results that can also be used for monitoring purposes and updating empirical treatments based on actual etiology.
SMS AFYA-YETU
A program designed to enable people living with a chronic disease, particularly those with medical or social vulnerabilities, to quickly identify and report problems that could lead to a lack of follow-up in their treatment or a deterioration of their state of health.
AI4CC
The MSF Foundation and its partners will conduct -upon ethical board validation of MSF and Malawian authorities- this clinical study in Malawi as part of MSF's program for care of women with cervical cancer at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the screening program in Blantyre health centers.
Mini-Lab
The purpose of the Mini-Lab project is to design and produce a small-scale, autonomous, transportable clinical bacteriology laboratory which is affordable and above all suited to the MSF’s fields of intervention. This concept, developed by MSF with its partners, is also intended to be made available to health care operators in countries with limited resources. The Mini-Lab project hosted by MSF has been able to benefit from other funding mechanisms and the Foundation has been able to redirect its funding to other emerging initiatives.
Yellow fever study
A solution to the global vaccine shortage