History of African Federation of Rehabilitation Professionals
FATO was established in 1992 by a group of ortho-prosthetists to address issues specific to the profession (lack of recognition, lack of access to education and training, lack of exchange, etc). Over the years, FATO has grown into a multidisciplinary organization that aims to promote access to appropriate and equitable orthopaedic, rehabilitation and mobility services in Africa, thereby improving the quality of life of those who may benefit from rehabilitation and mobility services.
FATO brings together all rehabilitation professionals (prosthetists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians, speech therapists, surgeons, CBR officers, administrators, etc.) as well as service users and policy makers.
It is present in more than 40 African countries (out of 54) and has formal and/or informal contacts with countries where there is no national FATO association. In addition, FATO has developed a close collaboration with several national, regional and international organizations involved in rehabilitation and mobility services, with organizations of people with disabilities and with industry.
For several members and partners, the name of the African Federation of Orthopaedic Technicians was no longer in line with what the federation had become and the time had come to revise its name.
After a consultation and vote among its members and partners, the African Federation of Orthotics Technicians has become the “African Federation of Rehabilitation Professionals” in 2019. Although the name is changing, the acronym FATO remains.
Meet in Kinshasa, DR Congo
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