NIHR Global Health Research Group on Physical Trauma from Injury & POsT Conflict; iPrOTeCT Conflict resulting in serious, life changing injuries is widespread and accidental injuries through road traffic accidents (RTAs) are increasing in prevalence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). iPrOTeCT focuses on saving limbs after these injuries (surgery and technology), and where limbs cannot be saved, ensuring the best possible functional outcomes for amputees (prosthetics). This provision of the best healthcare and rehabilitation to physical trauma patients saves lives, increases functional outcomes, provides independence, and enhances quality of life.

iPrOTeCT will work to benefit those injured in Gaza, Lebanon, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, and Syria initially, but in the longer-term, we will expand the reach of the programme to benefit those in the East, Central and South of Africa and other LMICs who are, or have, experienced conflict or significant increases in accidental injuries. The project is led by partners in the UK (Imperial College London), and Rwanda (University of Global Health Equity), with additional partners in Rwanda (University of Rwanda), Lebanon (American University of Beirut) and Sri Lanka (University of Moratuwa).

We will explore the patterns of injuries from conflict situations (blast, gunshots), and other trauma (RTAs and non-conflict blast injuries). This knowledge will inform the understanding of the impacts on healthcare services and will influence policy and practice changes. We will use our clinical engineering expertise based on frugal principles to 1) identify technology need, 2) design, develop and test solutions that can be implemented and manufactured locally within the partner countries, and 3) develop a clinical translational plan for sustainability that is relevant and unique to the partner countries. We will create, evaluate and improve capacity building opportunities which will help to improve opportunities and provide long-term benefits for those in research and research management. We will work closely with community groups formed of patients, their families, rehabilitation service practitioners and clinicians. The groups will be facilitated by the Legacy of War Foundation. Their insights will help the team to better understand concerns about treatments, devices and socioeconomic needs and the main outcome will be to help reduce stigma, raise awareness, and support changes in policy. 1. Establish a global picture of the clinical burden of accidental, conflict and post-conflict injuries and the resulting societal issues.
o Target Sector/Group: Those affected by traumatic injury (conflict and non-conflict trauma) and healthcare providers.
o Expected Outcome: Policy development, Improved medical practice, future healthcare and rehabilitation. Provide rehabilitation/medical recovery roadmap for countries post-conflict.

2. Identify, develop, and share appropriate healthcare technologies.
o Target Sector/Group: Healthcare practitioners in LMICs,
o Expected outcomes: Expand and teach the use of the following technologies:
 Surgical bone reconstruction technologies
 Bone regeneration medicine
 Prosthetic and rehabilitation technologies

3. Co-create, evaluate and improve capacity building opportunities in research, education, global clinical collaboration and research management.
o Target sector/group: Surgeons, clinician, engineers and scientists, research management and administration in LMIC locations
o Expected outcomes: Improved capacity within LMIC institutions on all levels.