Empowering Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Across Africa

The inaugural Regional Rehabilitation Meeting for Africa was recently convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from November 21st to November 23rd, 2023. This historic event, hosted by the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia and organized by the Africa regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO), brought together leaders from ministries of health and healthcare professionals from nineteen African nations to focus on advancing rehabilitation and assistive technology (AT) in the Africa Region.

Rehabilitation services and assistive products play a critical role in promoting everyday functioning and reducing disability. They are instrumental in improving independence and well-being for individuals in need. This meeting shed light on the current status of rehabilitation and AT within the healthcare systems of African nations with a primary focus on identifying actionable steps to advance the rehabilitation and AT agenda in the region.

Access to rehabilitation services and assistive products is especially vital in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The demand for rehabilitation in the Africa Region is on the rise due to various factors such as the increasing incidence of injuries, stroke, the long-term effects of injuries, and the ageing population. Despite its importance, access to rehabilitation services remains inadequate in the region.

The meeting proved to be an invaluable platform for representatives from various countries, international organizations, and development partners to come together and address the challenges. Strategic planning, workforce development, integration into health information systems, governance, financing arrangements, measurement of rehabilitation outcomes, and the inclusion of rehabilitation in health benefit packages were among the myriad of topics discussed.

Experiences and lessons learned from different countries were shared through insightful presentations, while panel discussions explored the impactful roles of key stakeholders in implementing rehabilitation strategic plans. Through small group discussions, participants were able to identify priorities, needs, and challenges specific to strengthening rehabilitation efforts in their respective African countries.

The imperative need to harmonize rehabilitation and AT strengthening, workforce development, and integration into primary healthcare systems was underscored throughout the meeting. Additionally, the discussions also delved into the significance of rehabilitation in emergency preparedness and response. Each sub-region identified country action priorities, paving the way for sustainable collaboration and resource mobilization to bolster rehabilitation and AT services in Africa.

In conclusion, the first Regional Rehabilitation Meeting for Africa in Addis Ababa provided a crucial opportunity for stakeholders invested in rehabilitation and assistive technology to exchange knowledge, forge meaningful connections, and foster collaborations. The outcomes of the meeting are poised to make meaningful contributions to the enhancement of rehabilitation services and the seamless integration of assistive technology across the African region.