Partnerships between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda and the United Kingdom to address Sustainable Development Goal 17 for people with communication disability

Abstract

Purpose Minority World countries have often been involved in supporting services for people with communication disability (PWCD) in Majority World countries. In East Africa, this support has historically involved speech-language pathologists (SLPs) from Minority World countries providing therapy; later evolving to include partnerships between Majority and Minority World organisations providing education, training, and support—sometimes with the aim of increasing service sustainability. Our objective is to provide an overview of how partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) has been realised for speech-language pathology services in three East African countries (Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda). For SLPs, we consider training and education, research opportunities, and the development of the profession. For PWCD, we consider the equity of services. Result We identify key challenges and successes of UK/East African partnerships, identifying steps for improvement for robust speech-language pathology partnerships. Conclusion We suggest three key approaches for better-designed partnerships: (1) Improve accessibility, by expanding services to rural areas and coordinating fee setting. (2) Ensure local stakeholders and professionals are included in meaningful and agreed ways. (3) Ensure partnerships complement existing services and are culturally appropriate. These approaches support related goals to achieve better services for PWCD. This commentary paper focuses on good health and well-being (SDG 3); quality education (SDG 4); decent work and economic growth (SDG 8); industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9); reduced inequalities (SDG 10); partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).