The Practice of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in subSaharan Africa and Antarctica:A White Paper or a Black Mark? / 中国康复医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the practice of PM&R in subSabaran Africa and Antarctica. Method: Medline searches, membership data searches, fax survey of medical schools, Internet searches, and interviews with experts. Result:The continents are dissimilar in terms of climate and govemment. However both Antarctica and subSaharan Africa have no PM&R training programs, no professional organizations, no specialty board requirements, and no practicing physicians in the field. Since there is no known disabled child on Antarctica and adults are airlifted to world-class health care, the consequences of this deficit are minimal there. However the 788,000,000 permanent residents of subSabaran Africa including approximately 78 million persons with disability are left unserved. Conclusion:Antarctica is doing fine. Africa is in a crisis. Local medical schools, hospitals doctors, and persons with disability; along with foreign volunteers, aid groups, and policymakers can impact the crisis. However govemment-specifically national ministries of health-is ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of citizens.