There is a substantial and ever-increasing unmet need for rehabilitation worldwide, which is particularly profound in low- and middle-income countries. The availability of accessible and affordable rehabilitation is necessary for many people with health conditions to remain as independent as possible, participate in education, be economically productive, and fulfill meaningful life roles. The magnitude and scope of unmet rehabilitation needs signal an urgent demand for concerted and coordinated global action by all stakeholders.
The WHO Rehabilitation 2030 initiative draws attention to this unmet need for rehabilitation worldwide, and highlights the importance of strengthening health systems to provide rehabilitation.
The initiative marks a new strategic approach for the global rehabilitation community by emphasizing that:
• Rehabilitation should be available to everyone at all stages of life.
• Efforts to strengthen rehabilitation should be directed towards supporting the health system as a whole and integrating rehabilitation into all levels of health care.
• Rehabilitation is an essential health service and crucial for achieving universal health coverage.
Monika Mann, PT, MPH discusses this new initiative; its underlying premises; implications for rehabilitation services globally and provides an overview of tools and resources that have been developed for the global rehab community.
