SWITZERLAND — In a momentous event held in Geneva, the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) has been officially launched, boasting a founding membership of 82 organizations.
The WRA, a global network under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to champion the implementation of the Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative through dedicated advocacy activities.
With a key focus on positioning rehabilitation as an integral health service within Universal Health Coverage and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages), the WRA marks a significant milestone in advancing global public health efforts.
The alliance’s inauguration took place following a two-day global summit organized by the WHO, dedicated to assisting countries in integrating rehabilitation care into their health systems.
To commemorate this auspicious occasion, Grammy Award-winning singer Ricky Kej delivered a specially composed song, resonating with the spirit of the alliance.
Ukraine’s Deputy Health Minister, Mariia Karchevych, shared a poignant account during the summit, highlighting the urgent need for rehabilitation services in her war-torn country.
She emphasized that amidst the ravages of conflict and the sudden influx of individuals injured by rockets fired from Russia, Ukraine had to swiftly develop and integrate a rehabilitation strategy into its healthcare network.
Karchevych expressed deep gratitude to the international community for its unwavering support, describing it as a powerful “manifestation of love.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, underscored the importance of rehabilitation as a fundamental right for all individuals.
He applauded the launch of the World Rehabilitation Alliance, noting that it exemplified the collaborative spirit within the rehabilitation community.
By uniting voices across sectors, the profile of rehabilitation can be elevated, and its integration into the continuum of care can be supported across nations.
Dr. Jérôme Salomon, Assistant Director-General and head of Universal Health Coverage at the WHO, emphasized the immense need for rehabilitation worldwide, stating that more than 2.4 billion people, roughly a third of the global population, could benefit from rehabilitation services.
This staggering figure highlights the significance of addressing the substantial unmet global rehabilitation needs.
The summit held particular significance as it followed the historic passage of the first-ever resolution on enhancing access to rehabilitation care during the World Health Assembly in May.
The resolution acknowledged the substantial gaps in meeting global rehabilitation requirements, with less than half of people in many countries receiving the necessary care.
During the summit, the Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation was unveiled, aimed at supporting countries in integrating rehabilitation into their national health services.
This comprehensive package encompasses training healthcare workers to address rehabilitation needs and provides valuable guidance on evidence-based interventions, resource allocation, and human capital requirements.
Dr. Binta Sako, WHO’s lead on rehabilitation in the Africa region, emphasized the package’s purpose in supporting planning, budgeting, and integration efforts.
Dr. Alexandra Rauch from the WHO’s Rehabilitation Programme highlighted the holistic nature of rehabilitation, stating that it extends beyond improving bodily functions.
The Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation acknowledges the significance of enhancing various aspects of individuals’ lives, including involving caregivers and families in rehabilitation programs.
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