Rehabilitation in Africa

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2019 Nov;30(4):757-768. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2019.07.002. Epub 2019 Sep 5.

Abstract

In Africa, rehabilitation services are insufficient and marred with inadequate political commitments and collaborations of stakeholders. Infrastructures and expertise for rehabilitation are scarce and poorly coordinated. Community-based rehabilitation programs are fragmented and fractured and lack working partnership with rehabilitation services in health care systems. Locally responsive policy frameworks, service delivery models, and health governance practices are prerequisites for meeting rehabilitation needs of the ever-increasing number of persons with chronic disabling conditions. Concerted global efforts are required for equitable and accessible coordinated continuum of rehabilitation care at various levels of health services and the community in most Sub-Saharan African countries.

Keywords: Africa; Community-based rehabilitation; Disability research; Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation services.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Developing Countries
  • Disabled Persons / rehabilitation*
  • Education
  • Forecasting
  • Health Policy*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / education*