The SUDA project set out to make a difference to the lives of people in need of rehabilitation in conflict-affected countries in West Africa. This project, in partnership with Humanity & Inclusion, was funded thanks to an innovative programme supported by the Leahy War Victims Fund, a special USAID program created by US Sen Patrick Leahy (VT) and funded by the United States Congress.
The meeting allowed WCPT President Emma Stokes and CEO Jonathon Kruger, along with leaders of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), to personally thank representatives of the Leahy War Victims Fund for the grant.
The SUDA project has enabled WCPT to strengthen the physical therapy profession in the strife-ridden countries of Mali, Niger, and Senegal by bolstering the physical therapy associations in those countries, improve the quality and standards of physical therapist education programmes, and establish a model for capacity-building that can be transferred to other low-resource countries.
The Leahy War Victims Fund, an initiative focused on providing assistance to people with disabilities in countries experiencing conflict, provided a $1.2 million grant to the SUDA project. In addition to thanking representatives of the programme for its support, Emma Stokes and Jonathon Kruger also outlined ideas for expanding or replicating the project in other countries.
“Our meeting provided a wonderful opportunity to give feedback on the SUDA project and to explore future opportunities for the current administration to fund projects that support the development of the global physical therapy profession,” said Jonathon.
“WCPT is very grateful for the support provided by APTA President, Sharon Dunn, as well as APTA CEO, Justin Moore, and his team to make this meeting happen,” added Emma.
"APTA was pleased to be able to facilitate a meeting between WCPT and Senator Leahy's office," said Justin Elliott, APTA vice president of government affairs.
"The SUDA Project is a success by any measure, and the Leahy War Victims Fund made that project possible. APTA and WCPT will continue to work together to support this important arm of USAID."
