Background and aimThere is a strong correlation between disability and poverty and it is acknowledged that until disability issues are addressed, the goal of poverty reduction in low-income countries is unlikely to be achieved. Despite the high prevalence of disability in developing countries, there remains a significant shortage of rehabilitation professionals as highlighted by the WHO report, Human resources for Health (2006). The purpose of this project was to develop a collaborative and sustainable partnership to strengthen educational and research capacity in global health, disability, and rehabilitation between two physiotherapy schools; University College Dublin, Ireland, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. This article aims to describe the approach used and initial project outcomes.MethodsThis project involved a bilateral visit to both institutions by two members of staff of respective physiotherapy programs. These visits entailed stakeholder meetings, clinical site visits, and workshops to identify the priorities for the partnership and shape the collaboration going forward. Appreciative inquiry methodology was used during the workshops and the four-dimensional framework for curriculum development was used to guide analysis and underpin findings.FindingsThe key priorities identified were (i) development of joint global health learning initiative, (ii) to explore the possibility of postgraduate learning and research opportunities for Ugandan colleagues, and (iii) to develop joint clinical placements. The rationale and context and a plan of action is described.Discussion and conclusionThe project is ambitious and in order to be sustainable, the importance of long-term interinstitutional commitment and further funding cannot be ignored. This work provides a framework for other universities and institutions wishing to undertake similar activities. Such partnerships provide rich learning opportunities for students and health professionals and facilitate a deeper understanding of global health issues, social and cultural health determinants, and development of enhanced professional skills.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, one of a large family of coronaviruses. Severe forms of the disease can lead to respiratory failure with multiple organ failure necessitating rehabilitation in both acute and long-term care. With the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 and rehabilitation needs, the African Rehabilitation Network (AFRENET) produced a guidance document to assist in reducing variation in clinical practice among rehabilitation professionals in the Africa Region. This report outlines the process of the guideline development.

Background: Cancer and its treatment are linked to a variety of physical complications. Physiotherapy is recommended as the treatment of choice for improving cancer patients' physical function and quality of life. All patients with cancer and rehabilitation needs at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) don’t receive physiotherapy services. There is little information available about the factors influencing health workers' decisions to refer patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation in underdeveloped countries, particularly Uganda. This study aimed to determine barriers and facilitators to the referral of patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation at UCI. Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was adopted. In-depth interviews were performed with 12 Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) health professionals who were chosen using a convenience sampling approach. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the results. The UCI Research Ethical Committee granted ethical approval. Results: Participants reported that facilitators to the referral of patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation included, but were not limited to; inter-professional communication, clinical characteristics and positive outcomes of physiotherapy. On the other hand, hindering factors included; a knowledge gap, understaffing of physiotherapists, advanced cancer complications, and many more. Conclusion: Doctors and nurses at UCI appreciate the role of physiotherapy in cancer management. A limited knowledge on the assessment of patients with cancer for rehabilitation needs and limited physiotherapy staffing constrains the referral of patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation at UCI.