IN OFFICIAL RELATIONS WITH THE WHO

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Activities at the Tanzanian Training Centre for
Orthopaedic Technologists

Opening of a new teaching wing at TATCOT Sepp Heim On November 9th, 2002, the new wing of the TATCOT school in Moshi, Tanzania, was officially inaugurated by his Excellency Benjamin Mkapa, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Professor Shangali, a visiting Bishop and his Excellency Benjamin W. Mkapa at the inauguration of the new wing. TATCOT staff members explain wheelchair production to the President of Tanzania and his entourage.

The new site consists of two levels. On the ground floor is located the TATCOT Wheelchair Technologist Training program. On the first floor there are varied classroom facilities for multiple purposes, and a study centre consisting of a library complete with electronic equipment and web access. The opening ceremony was assisted by a number of important international and national personalities and experts, underlining the importance of rehabilitation services in Tanzania and Africa. The involvement of these important people emphasises as well the important role that TATCOT plays by offering different training levels in prosthetics and orthotics and related rehabilitation services. Dignitaries and representatives of various supporting organizations to the TATCOT project. First graduates of the degree program in Tanzania Sepp Heim On the 9th of November, 2002, the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMC) celebrated its first graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program. Five candidates received degrees. The B.Sc. training program at TUMAINI University in Tanzania is the first at this level in low-income countries, and sets a milestone for the future of the profession and its development in Africa. This training is the logical progression after Orthopaedic Technologist (ISPO Category II) training, and provides a perfect opportunity to train future teachers, researchers, and clinical team members in a unique environment.