World Physiotherapy representatives have completed a second visit to Sierra Leone and Liberia to support activities to develop physiotherapy and strengthen access to rehabilitation services in both countries/territories.
The visit, 23 August-5 September 2025, took place in collaboration with World Hope International, Sierra Leone Physiotherapy Association (SLPA), and representatives of government ministries in Sierra Leone and Liberia. It builds on World Physiotherapy’s visit in January 2024 and reflects a long-term commitment to working alongside governments, universities, professional associations, and others to grow the profession and expand access to rehabilitation.
Stakeholder meetings with representatives of a number of organisations took place in Sierra Leone and Liberia, including health and education ministries in Sierra Leone, ministry of health in Liberia, professional associations, universities, hospitals, and other organisations. The visit culminated in two stakeholder workshops:
- the workshop in Sierra Leone was co-led by Elizabeth Anderson, World Physiotherapy development programme officer, and Ismaila Kebbie, deputy director for the government’s non-communicable diseases and mental health, and SLPA president
- the workshop in Liberia was co-led by Elizabeth Anderson, World Physiotherapy development programme officer, and Jamesetta Gilayeneh Smith, director for the government’s non-communicable diseases and injury division
The workshops marked a step forward in developing a national roadmap for physiotherapy in each country/territory, with stakeholders identifying priority areas for action.
In Sierra Leone, where an entry-level physiotherapy programme already exists, the focus will be on strengthening the existing programme and exploring the creation of a master’s programme to build advanced skills and leadership, alongside supporting the development of SLPA.
In Liberia, where there is only one trained physiotherapist, the key priority for the stakeholders at the meeting is to establish the first entry level physiotherapist programme to address urgent workforce needs.
This initiative directly supports the WHO Rehabilitation 2030 agenda, which calls for stronger rehabilitation services, integration into health systems, and investment in the health workforce worldwide. By building on previous engagement and working alongside governments and national organisations, World Physiotherapy is helping ensure that rehabilitation is recognised as essential healthcare and that people in Sierra Leone and Liberia gain greater access to the physiotherapy services they need.
