Introduction and Background

TANZANIA ASSOCIATION FOR PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS (TAPO)

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

TAPO is a professional association which groups together the professional members in the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Orthopedic Technologists, Orthopedic Technicians, wheel chair technologists, and everyone interested to learn about rehabilitation medicine, in order to promote knowledge within our industry.

It is a new association which was founded in February 2015 during a two day meeting held at TATCOT KCMC from 24^th Feb – 25^th February 2015. During the meeting over view of orthopedic workshop around the country were observed through different presentation made by the representatives of the workshops. The current status of the workshops and challenges facing was clearly observed.

CHALLENGES OF P & O services around the country.

Following the presentations the major common challenge which was observed was:

•   Lack of material and /or insufficient of supply of materials in the workshops.
•  Lack of professional awareness by the government, co workers and even the society at large. 
•  Unemployment of most of qualifying students.
•   Poor working environment in many of the centers.
•   Poor professional advancement as per the current standards of patient care and advancement of technology.
•   Professional misconducts and malpractices

The above mentioned were some of the challenges observed in many of the centers which were presented by the representatives from the centers.

WAY FORWARD.

·        TAPO aim to promote the profession in order to attain the highest standards of competence in technical and ethical conduct by the members.

·        To ensure professional recognition of its qualified members among the government.

·        Ensure that the members maintain highest standards of professional conduct.

·        Promote the standards of patient care through education, research and advocacy.

VISION STATEMENT

To become the best African sustainable association leading in clinical research, educational and publication outcomes.

MISSION

To promote a well established and sustainable association, leading in research, publication, educational programmes, and facilitating development of appropriate technology.

Goals.

OBJECTIVE:

1. SUSTAINABILITY
2. TRAINING, RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION.