SHORT REPORT Education and research in Africa: Identifying and meeting the needs

The development and promotion of occupational therapy in the Sub-Saharan continent of Africa is seen as a challenge for the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. It is also a challenge for pioneering occupational therapists, mostly ex-patriates, who have started occupational therapy services in many new countries of Africa over the past few years. This report identifies and addresses the problems. It is important that existing training centres for occupational therapists are maintained by attracting permanent, indigenous teaching staff and clinical supervisors, by promoting continuing support and development of existing occupational therapy services and by promoting the development of more rehabilitation and educational facilities. A priority is to help government departments to develop job structures for occupational therapists. Research is seen as being vital to this process. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing confidence in the profession of occupational therapy by ongoing education, personal achievement and positive thinking.