Message from the President Archive
As we move towards the 2nd half of 2005 I would like to reflect on some of the achievements and challenges faced by WFOT and occupational therapists around the world in the past 6 months - the world of WFOT.
When the most devastating tsunami in history swept across the Indian Ocean, WFOT responded immediately with a message on the website and a plan of action which included a dedicated email address to respond to the numerous offers of help and volunteering. Through this project, WFOT has taken steps to support the development and implementation of long term assistance to the occupational therapists to respond to the disaster. The major task lay in preparing support and resource materials for occupational therapists to assist these traumatized societies to rebuild their communities and help them to return to and re-engage in meaningful occupation. This action also contributes to improving WFOT's international response to any disaster. Major donations have substantially contributed to the ability of the WFOT to make a significant response. Follow up actions and projects are planned following the publication of an extensive report on the situational analysis (available through the Document Centre), including a regional action learning and action planning workshop to be held later this year. WFOT needs your support to continue this work and donation forms can also be found in the Document Centre. Updates on the ongoing activities will be regularly posted in the News section of the website.
WFOT Executive Management Team held our Interim Meeting, this year in Latvia. Meetings with the Ministry, Education and NGO representatives were fruitful in developing understanding of the health care systems and education requirements for professional development as well as developing strategies to continue to strong contribution of occupational therapists in the Baltic region. The Annual Conference of the Latvian Association of Occupational Therapists and the First Conference of Occupational Therapists from Baltic Countries - 'Occupational Therapy Practice : International Experience' held after the interim meeting featured all members of the Executive Management Team sharing their professional expertise with over 90 therapists and students from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and Australia. WFOT sincerely thank the Latvian Occupational Therapists Association for being such excellent hosts, for organizing the meeting with such care to detail, and for sharing their wonderful country with us.
The WFOT2006 Congress is progressing with exceptional speed with promotion in full swing. Almost 2,000 abstracts have been received and the scientific programme will soon be finalized. Organization for pre and post congress workshops is well underway and will include workshops in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly, Malaysia. I strongly encourage you all to support this, the premier international occupational therapy educational event, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Sydney in July 2006.
Liaison with WHO has been extensive over this past year with activities undertaken and meetings attended by WFOT Executive team members. Meetings have been attended in Geneva on the continuing development of CBR as an approach to community health development (Frank Kronenberg, June 2004) and the redefining of rehabilitation (Christiane Mentrup, April 2005). Attendance at the European Ministerial Meeting on Mental Health in Helsinki by Sharon Brintnell and Julie Piergrossi placed occupational therapy firmly in the mental health agenda. As WFOT enters its 50th year as an NGO member of WHO, the high profile reflects increased awareness of the occupational therapy contribution to world health.
WFOT was requested to comment on the outline and development process of WHO–s annual report, the World Health Report 2006, which this year will focus on Human Resources for Health. A timely and comprehensive response has meant that the WFOT with the assistance of COTEC and others will be providing relevant data and case examples on education, regulation, continuing professional development, and recruitment and migration.
As you can see from this quick snapshot the early part of 2005 has been another period of very high activity for WFOT. It has been a time for quick action and decision making, for truly participating at a global level and for focusing on continuing professional development in the international arena. The level of activity continues to increase with the majority of projects on track and outcomes imminent. The direction that WFOT has taken in international affairs reflects the emphasis of our members on occupational and human rights and justice. The involvement post-tsunami and the vast correspondence through the secretariat indicate a great concern for human life and sustainable community involvement. I invite you all to participate in this vibrant and dynamic organization and be part of this international family of occupational therapy that forms the world of WFOT.