World Physiotherapy is working with international non-government organisations (INGOs) to coordinate efforts in support of the physiotherapy profession and rehabilitation in Ukraine and neighbouring countries/territories. We are doing this in collaboration with our member organisations to ensure that any response is needs-led.
The situation is evolving fast. Emma Stokes, World Physiotherapy president, has made this statement.
World Physiotherapy has been in contact with the Ukrainian Association of Physical Therapy, our member organisation in Ukraine, and, in collaboration with Momentum Wheels for Humanity, have been involved with a project there to support the development of the profession and education system.
With the World Health Organization rehabilitation in emergencies team, Humanity & Inclusion, ICRC, AO Foundation, Momentum Wheels for Humanity, and Physiopedia, we are collaborating to collate and prioritise resources and support translations.
World Physiotherapy, together with the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP), the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM), the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), has issued a joint statement on coordinating rehabilitation and assistive technology as part of a humanitarian response.
Resources
NEW * United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ukraine: Trauma and Rehabilitation Technical Working Group collated resources
NEW * WHO Ukraine crisis strategic response plan for June – December 2022
NEW * Amputee study day resources:
- YouTube recording webinar 9 July 2022
- Google drive of resources in Ukrainian here
Early rehabilitation in conflicts and disasters handbook. Links to translated versions of the handbook will be added as they become available.
PhysioPedia support for physiotherapists in Ukraine
If you want to learn about rehabilitation in Ukraine prior to the conflict this WHO report is recommended Situation assessment of rehabilitation in Ukraine (2021)
Exercise guidance in Russian can be provided for people with a spinal cord injury from PhysiotherapyExercises.com - Russian
Please also refer to our resources on the humanitarian page including details of the Physiotherapy and Refugee Education Project (PREP) and self-paced online course.
From our member organisations
Poland: Polish Chamber of Physiotherapists Physiotherapists from Ukraine – legal situation
UK: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Ukraine -information for people seeking asylum
What can I do?
It is important not to assume what is needed. Working through the major INGOs ensures efforts are coordinated and responsive to local needs.
Equipment donation is not needed at this time. Read our guidance on best practice regarding donations.
Responding internationally to disasters: A do’s and don’ts guide for rehabilitation professionals is also recommended reading.
Financial donations are best made through one of the major INGOs and we suggest:
- ICRC: Ukraine crisis
- Momentum Wheels for Humanity: Momentum 4 Ukraine
- Humanity & Inclusion: Ukraine emergency appeal
