Strengthening rehabilitation in the health system in Rwanda: factors contributing to the adoption of the world health organization's guide to strengthen rehabilitation in health systems.

Abstract

The global effort to strengthen rehabilitation in health systems has led many countries to adopt the World Health Organization (WHO) guide for action. However, there is limited literature on practical implementation examples. This case report details Rwanda's process of adopting the WHO guide, focusing on stakeholders' viewpoints. A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted among rehabilitation stakeholders who played a role in implementing the WHO guide to strengthen rehabilitation in the health system. A structured data collection questionnaire using a 5-point Likert Scale was administered and Key informants interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, categorized and thematically analyzed. A total of 180 participants filled the questionnaire, while 32 key informants were interviewed. 7 themes and 13 sub-themes emerged from the results. Rwanda's successful adoption of the WHO guide to strengthen rehabilitation in its health system can be attributed to the country's commitment justified by existing policies, guidelines, and the existence of a disability movement, and this could be an inspiring model for other countries to follow. This case report describes a successful adoption process for Rwanda that can be a practical example for other low-income countries, emphasizing active engagement from the central level to local stakeholders.