The development of occupational therapy profession in Rwanda: A contribution to rehabilitation service delivery

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to describe the introduction and progress of occupational therapy in Rwanda, and the special role taken by RWOTA in advocating for the future of the profession across the continent of Africa. The tragic genocide in 1994, during the Rwandan civil war, left about one million people dead, including some health care professionals. After the genocide, the health care professions have grown tremendously, but the development of occupational therapy is still in its infancy. The Rwanda Occupational Therapy Association (RWOTA) is an officially registered nongovernmental organisation that has begun a journey to raise awareness of occupational therapy to and for the citizens of Rwanda. The occupational therapy professional body gained national recognition in Rwanda in 2015, with Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG) in 2015 and World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) recognition following in 2016. Between 2010 and 2017, there were no qualified occupational therapists in Rwanda but efforts are now being made to introduce a professional education programme for the whole country. The Rwanda Occupational Therapy Association has made substantial gains in raising awareness in the country of occupational therapy services, research implementation, educational development, collaboration and the sustainability of the profession. The aim of these activities is to expand the scope of occupational therapy practice in Rwanda. In conclusion, it can be said that the birth and growth of occupational therapy in Rwanda is due to the commitment of the government of Rwanda to implementing holistic health care service delivery through the Ministry of Health.

KEYWORDS:

• Rwanda Occupational Therapy Association
• Occupational therapy
• professional recognition
• challenges

Acknowledgments

The Rwanda Occupational Therapy Association would like to acknowledge the support of the Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH), the department of occupational therapy of the University of Rwanda, the department of physiotherapy of the Rwanda Military Hospital, Maurice Kanyoni, Nuhu Assuman, Manubriam Nellutra, the Tanzania Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA), Annie Mie-Engelen, Sarah Matovu, Toon Van, Suzanne van Hees, Sarah Verveld, Sarah Mkenda and David Kabarak among others. Our special appreciation goes to Humanity and Inclusion for their ongoing support of the Rwanda Occupational Therapy Association.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).