To mark World Health Day on 7 April, World Physiotherapy has released a joint statement with other global rehabilitation organisations highlighting how access to quality rehabilitation services is crucial to build a fairer and healthier world.
Rehabilitation is the core health strategy that optimises social, physical, and mental functioning in everyday life. While 2.4 billion people are in need of rehabilitation services globally, more than 50% of the people who require these services cannot access them.
Rehabilitation ensures that people can live, work, learn and thrive at their fullest potential. Building a healthier and fairer world requires investing and strengthening access to rehabilitation services and assistive technologies, by addressing the barriers that still prevent the large majority of the world population from receiving the rehabilitation they need.
The joint statement highlights that improving the health status of a population does not only mean reducing mortality and morbidity, but also ensuring that people live, function, and participate at their best potential.
Signatories to the joint statement:
- Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health
- Global Rehabilitation Alliance
- Humanity & Inclusion
- International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
- International Spinal Cord Society
- Light for the World
- Liliane Fonds
- World Federation of Chiropractic
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists
