Postscript return to Kigali

One goal of a Fulbright award, at least according to the government, is to create lasting relationships and possibly professional opportunities between Americans and the world.  In my case it seems to have worked.  On returning home in 2011 I started working with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) to set up a site for US physical therapists to do some training work in Kigali.  Along the way we applied for and received a USAID grant entitled the "Advancement of Rwandan Rehabilitation Services".  Details on the grant were nicely described in this HVO press release:

Health Volunteers Overseas will work with the Kigali Health Institute (KHI), a nationally-funded institute in Kigali for students pursuing degrees in health professions, including physical and occupational therapy.  The institute will be a key component of the Rwanda University of Medicine and Health Science, which will soon merge with the medical school, and public health school.  In recent years, there has been a large infusion of funds and resources for the medical profession, but physical and occupational therapy will need further development in order to address the rehabilitation needs of the country, where those with disabilities number close to 523,000.

Continuing professional development is a crucial aspect of a vital health care force.  HVO will partner with the Kigali Health Institute and the Association of Rwandan Physiotherapy (ARP) to develop a model of continuing education for rehabilitation providers to enhance their knowledge and skills.  The abilities of these professionals will be developed to reach out to medical providers, community leaders and rehabilitation extenders to expand access to services for underserved populations.

To further the capacity of KHI and to develop a vital rehabilitation community, HVO will work with the institute and the national therapy association to develop their leadership capabilities and promote the role of rehabilitation within the medical community.  With the commitment of the Rwandan government to its plan of action, Rwanda could potentially be a leader in regional rehabilitation care.  HVO will work with KHI and the Ministry of Health to explore this possibility and assess if it could realistically serve as an East African Regional Rehabilitation Education Center.

 So, here I am sitting in the Brussels airport celebrating my 52nd birthday with a return trip to Kigali for mid-grant evaluation and planning purposes.  Wow, I'm going back, Ngiye Kigali and I'm back on the blog!