**Acknowledgements**

*Public Health in Developing Countries - Challenges and Opportunities*

**Component Material** Wheelchair frame Mild steel Spring Carbon steel Ratchet bar Mild steel Seating material Cotton Rear wheel axle Mild steel Caster wheel bearing Mild steel Rear wheel rim Mild steel Footrest Mild steel

The wheelchair design is still limited when it comes to very steep inclines, in which case an incorporation of a motor to assist the hand effort will be required. There is also need to have adjustable rear wheels that can be pushed in or outwards from the chair so that it is not hindered when passing through narrow pathways of the rural terrain. The operator has to always lock the brakes before getting in and out of the wheelchair. They have to also avoid putting heavy loads on the back of a wheelchair, as this may result in a shift in the position of center of gravity. This could cause the

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**Component Quantity Total cost (USD)** Frame 16 × 500 mm 30 Rear wheel 2 28 Caster wheels 4 16 Ratchet 2 32 Shock absorber 2 60 Labor — 20

The operator of the chair can keep it maintained by being knowledgeable about the wheelchair, and having a handy list of providers that one can rely on for repairs, parts, and maintenance. The user may not be able to perform the basic daily and weekly cleaning and upkeep but can set up a routine that can be followed by caregivers, family members or others to monitor the chair for problems. Assemble and store a set of tools that you will need to have on hand for maintenance and emergencies. There is need to keep the wheelchair clean to help keep the operator healthy and free of infections, this will also make it easier to identify equipment problems as they arise. The casters (front wheels) can present a safety hazard when they are worn out. One has to always check your casters for cracks in the spokes that may eventually cause the caster to collapse.

The chapter investigated the development of a rough terrain wheelchair design which is capable to withstand tipping angles up to 43.17 degrees, which is relatively

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**9. Conclusion**

**8. Recommendations**

*Components and material specifications.*

**Table 2.** *Bill of quantities.*

**Table 1.**

chair to tip over backwards.

We would like to thank the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Mechanical Workshop team for working with this team of researchers in fabricating the prototype which gave the study a practical form result. We also acknowledge Danhiko Rehabilitation Centre for allowing us to access their facilities and also their input on wheelchair operator expectations. Also, we do really appreciate the solicited guidance offered by colleagues we work with at the University of Zimbabwe. Finally, we wish to thank all those who are implementing measures that help to protect the disabled from any injuries.
