TechnoRehabLab²: Transforming Osteoarthritis Care with Technology in Burundi
October 2024 - In this Community Talks session, Mr. Mapinduzi from the Institut National de la Santé Publique in Bujumbura and Prof. Bonnechère from UHasselt discuss their joint project. They have set up a center in Bujumbura, Burundi, to provide affordable rehabilitation services for osteoarthritis patients. This center uses innovative technology to improve care for those suffering from this common, debilitating condition.
The WHO identifies rehabilitation as a crucial priority for managing chronic conditions, with 2.4 billion people in need of these services. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of patients, especially in low-income countries, receive rehabilitation due to a lack of infrastructure and healthcare professionals.
In response, this project established a center in Bujumbura, Burundi, providing affordable rehabilitation services for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, a common and debilitating condition, using innovative technology.
This presentation will highlight how technology can empower clinicians to extend rehabilitation services in regions facing critical shortages of healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing patients' function, autonomy, and quality of life.