Reflecting on 2020 in our recently-published annual review, Emma Stokes, World Physiotherapy president, said “for the first time in our history, we experienced collectively an event that, to a greater or lesser extent, changed everything for everyone almost simultaneously.”
Emma said the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 resulted in humanity facing the same challenge at the same time in almost all parts of the world. She said World Physiotherapy had developed and amplified technical information, created connection between physiotherapists around the world, established a network of physiotherapy educators, organised the organisation’s first online congress, and advocated with and on behalf of member organisations.
“We the peoples of World Physiotherapy were the very best versions of ourselves – we survived what may be the hardest year since our foundation.”
Jonathon Kruger, World Physiotherapy chief executive officer, said COVID-19 had impacted almost every activity during 2020.
He said some of the key challenges included reprioritising projects to provide resources through the COVID-19 information hub, and responding to travel restrictions by creating opportunities to engage with organisations and individuals through video calls and webinars.
Jonathon also said 2020 had included some highlights: “The rebrand and the new website were a significant success. There was almost universal acclaim from our member organisations for the fresh new look and increased accessibility of our website.
“The recent approval of regulations will draw a line under a period of substantial internal governance reform.
“The growth in the volume of translated versions for World PT Day is demonstration of the staff team’s commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive hub for the global community.”
