In 1996, 8 September was designated as World Physiotherapy Day by the World Confederation of Physiotherapy that was established on 8 September 1951. This day marks the unity and solidarity of the global Physiotherapy community. In Rilima Orthopedic Specialized Hospital (ROSH), Sainte Marie, this day is also celebrated every year.
Theme of the day was: “Lower back pain and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention”
This year, the Physiotherapy department of ROSH conducted different activities while celebrating the day. Among them, a Physiotherapy week was conducted prior to the celebration of the day from the 3rd September 2024 to 8th September 2024 whereby different activities aiming for health promotion and wellbeing of the targeted population that was employees, clients and visitors of ROSH on low back pain, its risk factors, management and prevention. This awareness campaign was successfully conducted and the participants highlighted the importance of it.
As the 8th September 2024 was on Sunday, the celebration of Physiotherapy day in ROSH was conducted on Monday the 9th September 2024 a working day, the day in which most of the employees are present. A power point presentation was done to ROSH employees in relation to the theme of the day: “Lower back pain and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention”. 85% of ROSH employees attended the presentation and then took initiative to enhance the preventive measures for low back pain, that is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), as the second leading cause of disability globally.
The Head of Physiotherapy department Mr. BIZIMUNGU Pacome acknowledged the participation of ROSH employees in the celebration of Physiotherapy day and their usual collaboration, and the support of ROSH leadership that help the physiotherapists to perform well their duties as Physiotherapists. The Head of Physiotherapy department also shared with the participants about the historical background of the Physiotherapy day, and benefits of its celebration for the community, hospitals and for the Physiotherapists themselves and their work.
The Medical Director, Dr. NSENGIYUMVA Emmanuel thanked the Physiotherapists working at ROSH for their team working, and their remarkable role in the management of patients coming to ROSH, and for initiatives that aim for staff and community health promotion and wellbeing.
The Director General, Dr. NZAYISENGA Albert appreciated the role of Physiotherapists in ROSH and encouraged all employees to be physically active, and to enhance the preventive measures for low back pain.
As part of the Physiotherapy day celebration, ROSH in collaboration with Rilima Sector, and Rilima Health Center conducted an awareness campaign for Community Health Workers (ABAJYANAMA B’UBUZIMA) on early detection of disability and management of children with disabilities.
Contributed by: Pacome BIZIMUNGU, The Head of Physiotherapy Department at ROSH, Sainte Marie
