Afrigather The primary Regional Rehabilitation Assembly for Africa came about from November twenty first to November twenty third, 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hosted by the Ministry of Well being of Ethiopia, the assembly introduced collectively leaders from ministries of well being and healthcare professionals from nineteen African nations. Organized by the World Well being Group (WHO) Africa regional workplace, with the assist of the WHO Ethiopia Nation Workplace, the occasion aimed to supply an summary of the present standing of rehabilitation and assistive know-how (AT) inside well being programs in Africa, and to establish concrete actions to advance the rehabilitation and AT agenda within the Africa Area.
Rehabilitation performs a vital position in enhancing on a regular basis functioning and lowering incapacity by offering rehabilitation providers and assistive merchandise that enhance independence and well-being. Entry to rehabilitation and assistive merchandise is significant for attaining Common Well being Protection (UHC), particularly contemplating the rising want for rehabilitation within the Africa Area because of elements such because the growing incidence of accidents, stroke, the survival of individuals dwelling with the implications of accidents, and the growing older inhabitants.
Regardless of the significance of rehabilitation providers, entry stays insufficient within the African area. The regional rehabilitation assembly offered a platform for representatives from varied international locations, worldwide organizations, and improvement companions to debate and strengthen rehabilitation and assistive know-how efforts in Africa. The assembly coated subjects corresponding to strategic planning, workforce improvement, integration into well being info programs, governance, financing preparations, measurement of rehabilitation outcomes, and the inclusion of rehabilitation in well being profit packages.
Displays from completely different international locations highlighted country-specific experiences and classes realized, whereas panel discussions explored the roles of key stakeholders in implementing rehabilitation strategic plans. Small group discussions allowed members to establish priorities, wants, and challenges for strengthening rehabilitation in African international locations. The assembly additionally emphasised the significance of harmonizing rehabilitation and AT strengthening, workforce improvement, and integration into major healthcare programs.
Rehabilitation in emergency preparedness and response was one other essential space of debate, with every sub-region figuring out nation motion priorities. The assembly concluded with reflections on the discussions held and the necessity for continued collaboration, sharing of finest practices, and useful resource mobilization to strengthen rehabilitation and AT providers in Africa.
The regional rehabilitation assembly held in Addis Ababa was a terrific alternative for stakeholders concerned in rehabilitation and assistive know-how to change data, community, and collaborate. The assembly outcomes will contribute considerably to the development of rehabilitation providers and the combination of assistive know-how all through the African area.
