Rehabilitation services are a key aspect of health care for persons with disabilities. Vietnam has only recently begun to offer training programs and develop this field, and there remains a shortage of skilled practitioners in rehabilitation. To help meet this need, USAID’s Disability Rights Enforcement, Coordination, and Therapies (DIRECT) project has been assisting Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai provinces to strengthen their rehabilitation services over the past five years by organizing and supporting training and certification programs. In early June USAID launched a comprehensive two-year continuing professional education program for therapy assistants to upgrade their skills and certifications. A similar program was offered for doctors and specialists earlier this year. The trainees have already graduated from short, certificate courses organized by USAID in the past. There are currently 44 therapy assistants enrolled and 34 doctors and specialists. These rehabilitation professional development programs are offered in partnership with the provincial governments, medical universities and colleges in the area.
USAID’s support to improve rehabilitation services, through training and professional development programs, will expand access to essential care for persons with disabilities, leading to improved quality of life and increased independence and social integration, as well as help meet the growing needs of the general public.
