American Physical Therapists Collaborate with Local PTs in Ethiopia

In addition to the clinical aspect of collaboration in Ethiopia, we have engaged with many other community organizations working with the people of Ethiopia to improve health and the quality of life. They exhibit extraordinary dedication and exemplify characteristics that inspire the faculty and students participating in the immersion. Organizations that focus on women and child health, clinics that provide life-changing opportunities for young people with spinal tuberculosis, community-based compounds that develop self-sustaining life resources and cooperatives that train individuals with disabilities to make glasses to improve the sight of others demonstrate the power of commitment and compassion.

Summary

The experience of working with the physical therapists and other organizations in Ethiopia is life changing. Collaboration in learning, sharing best-practice guidelines based on patient diagnoses and culture, mentoring students in current practice in a developing country, and recognizing common goals of providing best outcomes for our patients forms a professional bond that strengthens the global vision of physical therapy.

Mary E. Christenson, PT, PhD, is an associate professor at the School of Physical Therapy, Regis University in Denver. She has been a member of the ARHP for about 30 years.

References

1. Milkias P. Africa in Focus: Ethiopia. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, LLC; 2011.
2. Worldometers—Populaton.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Global Health—Ethiopia.
4. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Health. Health Sector Development Programme IV, 2010/11-2014/15, Final Draft. October 2010.
5. The World Bank—Physicians (per 1,000 people).
6. Shiruli BC, Oyoo GO, Ogola EN, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at Kenyatta National Hospital. Afr J Rheumatol. 2014;2(2):64–69.
7. Dowman B, Campbell RM, Zgaga L, et ak. Estimating the burden of rheumatoid arthritis in Africa: A systematic analysis. Journal of Global Health. 2012;2(2):1–9.
8. McGill PE, Oyoo GO. Rheumatic disorders in Sub-Saharan Africans. East African Medical Journal. 2002;79(4):214–216.
9. Misganaw A, Mariam DH, Ali A, Araya T. Epidemiology of major non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia: A systematic review. J Health Popul Nutr. 2014;32(1):1–13.
10. Oyoo O, Moots RJ, Ganda B. Editorial—Stepping into the state of rheumatology in East Africa: What do we need? Rheumatology. 2012;51:1345–1346.
11. AFLAR: African League of Associations for Rheumatology—About AFLAR.
12. AFLAR: African League of Associations for Rheumatology. African Journal Rheumatology.
13. Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD).