An introduction to WHO rehabilitation programme with a focus on Africa
The Rehabica Pod recently featured an insightful episode titled "An Introduction to WHO Rehabilitation Programme with a Focus on Africa." This episode is part of their Pan-African webinar series, which aims to shed light on the state of rehabilitation in Africa. The keynote address, delivered by WHO consultant Wouter De Groote, provides a comprehensive overview of the WHO Rehabilitation 2030 goals and their implementation across the African continent.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Rehabilitation 2030 Goals:
- Launched in 2017, the Rehabilitation 2030 initiative serves as a call to action for rehabilitation organizations worldwide to address the unmet needs in rehabilitation. The goals emphasize the importance of integrating rehabilitation into health systems to ensure that everyone has access to the necessary services.
Challenges in Africa:
- The episode highlights the significant gaps in rehabilitation services across African countries. At least 63% of people in need do not receive the required care due to various factors, including an ageing population, a rise in noncommunicable diseases and injuries, and limited capacity of services. Rehabilitation services are often underfunded and deprioritized by health sectors, leading to poor coverage, especially at the primary health care and community levels WHO | Regional Office for Africa.
WHO's strategic goals:
- Wouter De Groote discusses the strategic goals of the WHO Rehabilitation Programme, which include improving access to quality rehabilitation services, enhancing the capacity of the rehabilitation workforce, and integrating rehabilitation into universal health coverage. These goals aim to ensure that rehabilitation services are available, accessible, and affordable for all individuals in need.
Implementation in Africa:
- The episode delves into the specific strategies and interventions being implemented in African countries to achieve the Rehabilitation 2030 goals. These include community-based rehabilitation, provision of orthopaedic devices and mobility aids, training and capacity development of rehabilitation personnel, and policy development on disability and rehabilitation | WHO | Regional Office for Africa.
Future directions:
- Looking ahead, the episode emphasizes the need for continued investment in rehabilitation services and workforce development. It calls for stronger collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities to address the challenges and improve the quality of rehabilitation services in Africa.
Why this matters
The insights shared in this episode of the Rehabica Pod are invaluable for anyone interested in the field of rehabilitation, particularly in the African context. By highlighting the experiences and challenges of rehabilitation professionals and organizations, the podcast provides a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in delivering high-quality care in resource-limited settings.
For international travelers considering rehabilitation services in Mpumalanga, South Africa, this episode offers a glimpse into the dedication and expertise of the local rehabilitation workforce. It also underscores the importance of choosing a facility that aligns with the WHO Rehabilitation 2030 goals and values multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care.
Listen to the episode
To gain more insights from Wouter De Groote and other experts in the field, listen to the full episode of the Rehabica Pod [here]
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By featuring the Rehabica Pod on our website, we aim to provide our clients with valuable information and resources to support their rehabilitation journey. Stay tuned for more episodes and insights from leading professionals in the field.