Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild ...
Occupational Therapy is a health care profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupations. Occupational therapists enable people to participate successfully in activities of everyday life for better health in a range of environments despite the prevailing illness, disease, disability or any kind of mental and physical limitations.
COVID-19 has caused disruption to daily life of people in Rwanda and across the world. While supporting social distancing recommendations and movement restrictions to keep our communities safe from the virus, we also need to be mindful of how disruption can affect our mental health, fitness and occupational health.
Rwanda Occupational Therapy Association recommends a balanced activity routine to overcome stress, hopelessness, helplessness, loss of meaning for life during self- isolation, social distancing or keeping at home during COVID-19 pandemic. Adopting a well - balanced activity routine is essential in relieving stress, calming down disturbing emotions, providing a sense of self-worth and a meaningful sense of one’s existence especially in such a time of COVID-19 pandemic.
MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Occupational Therapists specifically deal with Remedial, restorative treatments and rehabilitation of persons with Physical, Cognitive, Psychosocial and Developmental Impairments. As a profession we recognize the consequences and changes that are occurring in how people access and undertake their occupations as a result of the COVID19 pandemic (WFOT). These include, but are not limited to: accessing resources, activities of daily living, communication, mobility, social isolation, displacement, issues with mental health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists understand the vital need to access and use infection control measures combined with the need to sustain good physical, psychological, mental health and stamina in order to stay safe and healthy.
SOURCES: 1. https://www.wfot.org/covid-19-information-and-resources-for-occupational-therapists
Rwanda Occupational Therapy Association (RWOTA) is a professional association formed in 2015 founded by Occupational Therapist in Rwanda. It is a nonprofit organization working with different partners including the University of Rwanda, Humanity and Inclusion.
