Experiences establishing a new speech-language pathology training program in Ethiopia, a resource-limited setting:
Hillary Ganek1, Abiye Gebre Ab2,3, Fikre Abate3
1Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|August 1, 2024
Summary
Ethiopia established its first speech-language pathology training program, graduating its initial class in 2019. This initiative highlights how developing countries can enhance access to essential allied health services.
Area of Science:
- Allied Health Professions
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Global Health Equity
Background:
- Ethiopia, sub-Saharan Africa's second most populous nation, lacked speech-language pathology services until 2003.
- Existing healthcare infrastructure includes primary health centers, general, and specialized hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the establishment of speech-language pathology (SLP) as a profession in Ethiopia.
- To share experiences from developing the first SLP training program in the country.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective examination of program development.
- Focus on leadership from local stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
- Analysis of professional infrastructure development.
Main Results:
- The first undergraduate speech-language pathology program in Ethiopia was established at Addis Ababa University.
- The program graduated its inaugural class in 2019.
- Graduate-level training program expansion is currently in development.
Conclusions:
- The SLP program, fostered by international collaborations, serves as a model for low- and middle-income countries.
- Successful implementation demonstrates a pathway to improve access to essential allied health services for underserved populations.
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