OUR MISSION
Is to enable our colleagues in rehabilitation in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) to develop better rehabilitation services for children and adults. These will increase the independence of people with disabilities, prevent potential disability and improve opportunities for inclusion in society, such as schooling and employment. We share our skills and professional knowledge by teaching and training and aim for sustainability
WHY REHABILITATION?
The World Health Organisation recognises that rehabilitation is hugely needed by all populations, that there are some 1 billion people in the world who are disabled.
The WHO has launched Rehabilitation 2030: a call for action to promote change. This looks at needs, trends and access of those who are affected.
75%
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
Of the total number of years lived with disability (YLD) in the world are linked to health conditions for which we know rehabilitation is beneficial.
23%
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
The prevalence of health conditions associated with severe disability has increased by 23% since 2005.
10
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATion
The density of skilled rehabilitation practitioners is less than 10 per million population in many low and middle income countries.
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar, the Red Island, is the 4th largest island in the world. It separated from the African continent some 80 million years ago and its flora and fauna are like nowhere else with 80% being unique to the country. It is not only a beautiful place, but its people are kind, welcoming and gentle.
Madagascar is a developing country. Most of the population live in rural areas and there is poor road infrastructure outside of the major cities. The majority of people live less than 2 euros a day and as there is no universal health provision, cost is a significant barrier for many to accessing health care. Since the coup of 2009 there has been political instability, with impacts in terms of the economy, education and health provision. At the same time the population has increased by about 3% yearly.
Climate change is having a noticeable effect on agriculture and food production. Levels of sanitation and the provision of clean water are low. Child and maternal mortality are high, and almost half of all children under 5 are malnourished, with moderate or severe stunting of growth. With so many challenges, funding for rehabilitation services comes a considerable way down the list of priorities, although there is an excellent National Plan for Rehabilitation.
CHALLENGES
To read more about the challenges facing Madagascar’s health system try this recent article in the Lancet: Makoni, Munyaradzi. "Madagascar's battle for health." The Lancet 393.10177 (2019): 1189-1190.
GUIDES
One of the best guide books to the country is the Bradt Guide
"The group of doctors and physiotherapists attending the teaching were enthusiastic, warm and welcoming, making it a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Although there are challenges of working with colleagues within a different culture and language, the emphasis on collaboration and mutual respect meant that overall it felt like a positive experience for all involved".
HELEN LOCKE - VOLUNTEER
Our Partners
Our main partner in Madagascar is AMPR-Mada of which Anne chamberlain is Presidente Honoraire.
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