4.2 Importance of accessibility in East Africa
Accessibility as described earlier endeavors to ensure that every individual has equitable opportunity to benefit from rehabilitation services, which should be possible regardless of one’s literacy level, their physical or anatomical characteristics, their geographical location, financial ability. However, this may not be reflective of the current situations in our countries as developing nations and more specifically as the East African Community as we are still struggling with equitable access to healthcare [1,2].
Rehabilitation through digital technology is currently inevitable as there is a current upscale of technology all over [3,4]. It is every national government’s mandate to ensure availability of timely, acceptable and affordable health services to all persons [5], and this matter has currently been reinforced by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aims to ensure that no one is left behind but be able to reduce inequalities and achieve good health and well-being for all [6]. The Eastern Africa countries therefore have no exception but be able to conform to these expectations. In addition, digital technology has more potential benefits for this region that will help curb the inadequate health personnel and reduce the geographical distance of acquiring healthcare services. With the variety of available user interface, it is therefore important to match the user with the most compatible form of technology (as described in chapter 6) that will suit their rehabilitation needs and enable the rehabilitation professionals to make informed decision based on the teleassessment or tele-evaluation that is needed. This can involve enhancing translation into a more appropriate language that is easily understood or involving caregivers which means one needs to identify the personnel that will be trained to assist them through the rehabilitation process.
Good and simple accessibility will thus promote compliance to rehabilitation services and hence important to see the reflection of the scenario within the Eastern African Countries.