What is the name of your organization?
HealthEdu Ltd
What is the name of your solution?
Inclusion App
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Targeted application for community health workers, improving rehabilitation access through tailored exercise programs
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Kigali City, Kigali, Rwanda
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
RWA
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
Globally, 2.4 billion people lack adequate rehabilitation services, a crisis acutely felt in middle and low-income nations. In Rwanda, with a population of 14 million, a staggering third requires rehabilitation, yet fewer than 500 physiotherapists exist. This translates to severe access disparities, particularly in rural areas where essential rehabilitation is confined to distant district hospitals. Critically, primary healthcare at health centres, serving 90% of the population, lack any rehabilitation professionals. Consequently, patients with disabilities, injuries, or chronic illnesses face significant barriers to timely care. This results in non preventable permanent disabilities, diminished quality of life, and increased financial strain on families and communities, underscoring the urgent need to decentralize rehabilitation services.
What is your solution?
Our solution is the Inclusion app, it was created in partnership with Physiotools/Physitrack to empower community health workers in delivering vital rehabilitation support. Physiotools/Physitrack has been implementing the Inclusion app in other countries (Indonesia and Kenya) with similar rehabilitation needs under the funding of Finn partnership. Addressing limited access to physiotherapy, the app provides pre-designed exercise programs for common musculoskeletal conditions, created by physiotherapists. Community Health workers can share these programs via WhatsApp or directly demonstrate exercises using their smartphones, reaching individuals even without personal devices. Programs feature accessible short videos with audio and written instructions. This facilitates consistent, quality rehabilitation in underserved communities, improving patient outcomes and expanding access to essential care.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
This solution directly serves mainly Rwandans in rural areas reliant on primary healthcare, specifically those with musculoskeletal conditions. Currently, they face severe limitations due to a lack of rehabilitation professionals, resulting in untreated conditions, long travel distances, and financial strain.
The digital platform empowers Community Health Workers, acting as crucial intermediaries with digital tools and remote physiotherapy guidance, the platform dramatically improves access to vital care at the primary healthcare level. This leads to earlier intervention, improved self-management, and efficient referrals to physiotherapists. Consequently, patients experience faster recovery, reduced complications, and improved quality of life. The solution lessens financial burdens and promotes independence, ultimately fostering health equity within underserved communities.