An International Consultative Meeting Took Place concerning the Health Sciences

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar, which is in its seventh year, has been able to transform the lives of many individuals and has helped shape the country for the better. Thanks to the Program, many marginalized groups, who were once considered forgotten, have received an opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.

Recently, to keep with this tradition, the Scholars Program at the University of Gondar took part in an informative week about the future of Occupational Therapy in Ethiopia. Kingston Canada, where the delegation visited, is a hub of multiculturalism, and innovation, and above all is an academic space. Queens University, Canada has been at the leading forefront of the health sciences for some time now, and one of the specializations- occupational therapy- has caught the eye of the University of Gondar, which is trying to become a center of excellence in the field.

Some of the objectives of the visit were to highlight the importance of government policy to support future employment opportunities in OT, initiate and establish a relationship with Canadian counterparts in the Canadian government, facilitate cultural exchanges between the Ethiopian and Canadian higher officials, and explore new opportunities for students and/or faculty exchange programs.

People of all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive issues might benefit from occupational therapy (OT), which is a field of the medical sciences. They can restore independence in all facets of their lives with the aid of OT. Obstacles that interfere with a person’s emotional, social, and physical requirements are assisted by occupational therapists, and the need for them now, more than ever, is really evident.

Some of the ways the delegations tried to develop OT in an Ethiopian context is by creating a working group with Ethiopian policymakers, federal institutions, and international experts in the field. All these came together and have proposed some insightful strategies to get things rolling. Dr. Molalign Belay who is the Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Gondar expressed his optimism about the future of OT in Ethiopia.

“The visit we made to Canada, particularly to Queens University is historic and important to strengthening Occupational Therapy in Ethiopia,” shared Dr. Molalign. “The delegation which consists of higher officials of the FDRE who are policy and decision-makers in healthcare, education, and employability have a decisive role in ensuring inclusive healthcare and educational policy and practice in the country of Ethiopia where we see the field blossoming.”

Recently, in affiliation with Ethiopian higher officials and linking with international organizations, the University of Gondar has celebrated its recent recognition as a member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). This acknowledgment, according to Dr. Molalign, has a large part to do with the undergraduate occupational therapy program established by the University of Gondar, Queens University, and the Mastercard Foundation.

According to Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, the President of the University of Gondar, it has become abundantly clear that the Occupational Therapy discipline will steadily increase and make a difference in the lives of ordinary citizens.

“Our MSc-level trained Occupational Therapists are coming back to their country of Ethiopia and are increasing the number of certified Occupational Therapist year by year,” shared Dr. Asrat. “These 16 Masters of OT fellows are our future leaders; rehabilitation science experts and ambassadors of a more inclusive Ethiopia and we are seeing them return to Ethiopia and contribute so much.”

Both Ethiopia and UoG have doubled their highly trained OT workforce in the country and have without a doubt given citizens something to hope for. In countries like Ethiopia where the estimated burden of disability is around 18 percent, the development of crucial rehabilitation sciences and clinical services will be of paramount importance.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Molalign alluded to the responsibilities that the respective institutions have to uphold and their commitment to the field.

“We believe that partnership is all about people’s fruitful relationships that allow us to create a large family of scholars, staff members, stakeholders, and interested parties by expanding our social network and sharing the impact of our program,” stressed Dr. Molalign. “We, Ethiopians, say, “Dir Biyabir Anbesa Yasir” which literary means ‘when a spider web unites, it can tie up a lion,’ Therefore, we will continue bringing stakeholders together and keeping connected for more collective action and a better future for all of us.”

With over 17 million people in the country having some form of disability, the demand for occupational therapists with degrees from prestigious universities will undoubtedly rise dramatically in the years to come. Others will have the possibility to live a life of well-being with feasible possibilities as the country now begins to promote the OT discipline that will genuinely cater to all people who are in need. The occupational therapists who are currently being trained at home and abroad have a huge duty to advance the field of rehabilitation science while also working to aid as many vulnerable people as they can. There are presently numerous BSc students enrolled in the new program at the University of Gondar and many more studying for their MSc degrees in Canada. Therefore, as this science grows and succeeds, more and more specialists will be created to advance the research and improve the lives of those who truly need it.