Abstract
Lifestyle diseases are a growing problem among communities in whole world. In developed countries some of these conditions are the major killer diseases, where as in Africa they become the second after communicable diseases although such conditions are on increase. In 2006, the world confederation for physical therapy (WCPT), Africa Region held a congress in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The Theme of the Congress was “Addressing Lifestyle Diseases’. Aim of WCPT ‘A’ Congress was: To use the congress resolutions and recommendations to advise the governments of the respective countries in Africa in their formulation/implementation of policies related to chronic diseases of lifestyle.
Methods: Each keynote speaker from respective country had to: 1. Highlight the prevalence of chronic lifestyle diseases in respective country, 2. Indicate the associated morbidity and mortality of chronic lifestyle diseases in respective country, 3. Indicate if there is a National policy with regard to chronic lifestyle diseases in respective country, 4. Indicate if there are clear programmes and strategies in respect of prevention and/or management of chronic lifestyle diseases in respective country.
Outcomes:The following were highlighted; Prevalence of chronic diseases of lifestyle in Africa, WHO role in the management of CDL and the African perspective, WHO conceptual framework for CDL, Current research by physiotherapists and the WHO recommended framework, Identification of the gaps, Recommended Framework. |
Achievements: Resolutions were put forward to guide countries to address chronic diseases of lifestyle. In addition, KHI, AKR and Rwanda in general were represented in the congress, negotiation for AKR affiliation to WCPT was done, and collaboration with other member countries of WCPT and Physiotherapists in general, was enhanced. Dissemination and sharing of research findings by the representative from Rwanda to WCPT ‘A’ were other achievements.
Recommendations: Capacity building among physiotherapists, Gathering data, Building partnerships, Creating health plans to monitor and support programs, Equipping physiotherapists with the needed knowledge, Intervention strategies, Health promotion programmes, Strategies for implementation, target Settings, were most of the recommendations to Physiotherapists.
Conclusion: The congress highlighted and recommended strategies that countries can use to address chronic diseases of lifestyle:
Acknowledgements: AKR and KHI for the travel expenses to the Congress.
Contacts: Email: kabagemad@yahoo.com, Tel: (+250) 0874939
Brief Biography
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