Lomé is hosting a regional conference from November 3 to 6, 2026, focused on recognizing the profession of orthoprosthetists and integrating them into the public sector. The event, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Togo, brings together representatives from eight countries: Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo. The conference aims to address the challenges of developing rehabilitation services in Francophone Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 210 million Africans require rehabilitation services, but at least 63% of them lack access to necessary care. The shortage of qualified professionals, inadequate primary and community care, and insufficient services are significant obstacles. The conference seeks to address these challenges and explore ways to strengthen the skills of orthoprosthetists and integrate rehabilitation services into national health policies.
The conference is part of the Project for Education in Rehabilitation for Francophone Africa (PERAF), which aims to make Togo a reference hub for academic excellence in rehabilitation. The project, led by the ICRC, is implemented in partnership with the National School of Medical Auxiliaries of Lomé, the University of Lomé, Human Study, and the Ministry of Health. PERAF will provide a comprehensive training program and support the development of a master's degree in prosthetics and orthotics.
The Togolese government has expressed its ambition to make Togo a hub for academic excellence in rehabilitation. The Minister of Health, Jean-Marie Koffi Tessi, emphasized that a health system's greatness is not only measured by its ability to prevent diseases or save lives but also by its capacity to support individuals in regaining their autonomy and dignity. He highlighted the importance of integrating rehabilitation services into the healthcare system.
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Gado Tchangbedji, stressed that training experts and teachers is crucial for meeting the future needs of generations. He emphasized the importance of academic rigor, qualified trainers, and the sustainability of the training program. The PERAF project is seen as a strategic opportunity for Togo to develop its rehabilitation sector.
The conference will feature plenary sessions, thematic workshops, bilateral meetings, and an exhibition of innovations. Participants will discuss the recognition of orthoprosthetists' profession and their integration into the public sector. The event aims to produce national roadmaps with clear responsibilities and monitoring mechanisms until the next regional meeting in 2028.
The ICRC delegation, led by Maria Soledad Kueda Garcia, emphasized that human dignity, equal opportunities, and access to fundamental rights are collective responsibilities. She highlighted that rehabilitation services must be accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, or place of residence. The ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to making Togo a regional hub for rehabilitation services.
Key points
- The conference aims to address the shortage of qualified professionals in rehabilitation services in Francophone Africa.
- The PERAF project seeks to make Togo a reference hub for academic excellence in rehabilitation.
- The event will produce national roadmaps with clear responsibilities and monitoring mechanisms for the development of rehabilitation services.
