OTAMOccupational Therapy · MalawiA national voice foroccupational therapy
A national, independent, voluntary professional body — membership unrestricted by nationality, race, creed, colour, politics, gender or social status.
Built to unite & grow the profession
The Occupational Therapy Association of Malawi was established to unite occupational therapy professionals, promote the growth of the profession, and advocate for the role of OT in improving health, wellbeing and participation across the lifespan.
Today OTAM serves as a platform for professional development, collaboration and representation of occupational therapists within Malawi's health, education and social sectors — working with government ministries, training institutions, NGOs and international partners.
Vision
To promote meaningful participation, independence, social inclusion and wellbeing for all people in Malawi through occupational therapy.
Mission
To advance the practice, education, research and advocacy of occupational therapy in Malawi through professional leadership, capacity building, ethical practice and collaboration.
What we stand for
Five things OTAM exists to do
Represent
- Act as the official national voice of occupational therapy in Malawi
- Represent the profession to policy makers, regulatory bodies, management and training sectors
- Bring OT expertise into national policy — promotion, prevention, curative and rehabilitative health
- Comment on social and political issues affecting medical rehabilitation
Uphold
- Establish and maintain professional ethics, standards and codes of conduct
- Set proficient standards for OT practice and education, aligned to WFOT minimum standards
- Maintain the national registry of qualified occupational therapists
Grow
- Champion continuing professional development and, in time, postgraduate OT education
- Encourage scientific research in occupational therapy
- Open regional branches of OTAM as membership grows
Connect
- Promote cooperation among OTs and all allied health professions
- Keep close contact with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and sister associations
- Facilitate the exchange and placement of OTs across Malawi's clinical services
- Publish a professional newsletter for members and partners
Champion
- Publicise OT among the general public and at every level of the healthcare system
- Raise funds, by lawful means, to further the development of OT within Malawi