• Home
  • »What does COPE stand for?

What does COPE stand for?

COPE stands for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise.

Orthotic made by COPE, Laos.
An orthosis being made.

COPE supports the development of prosthetic, orthotic and rehabilitation services in Laos. We are the only provider of these devices in the country. COPE was established by POWER International in 1997, bringing together relevant organisations working in the field of disability in Laos. So, COPE is a joint venture between the Ministry of Health and a number of NGOs (Non-government organisations). In the future the plan is for COPE to become a Lao organisation in its own right. All of COPE's administration is done from Vientiane with independent auditing by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

An Orthosis is a device which supports part of the body for example to enable a child with cerebral palsy to stand. This photo shows an AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) being made.


A Prosthesis is a device made to replace a missing body part such as an artificial leg.

Prothesis made at COPE Laos.Prothesis made at COPE Laos.Prothesis being fitted at COPE Laos.
Prosthetic limbs, foot closeup, Prosthetic limb fitting at COPE.