World Physiotherapy recently completed two separate visits to Ecuador and Panama, designed to advance efforts to strengthen the physiotherapy profession and expand access to local rehabilitation services.
During the visits, 11-15 November in Ecuador and 16-20 November in Panama, World Physiotherapy representatives collaborated with Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Fisioterapia (SEF)/Ecuadorian Society of Physiotherapy, led by Maria Jose Paredes, SEF president, Asociacion Panamena de Fisioterapia y/o Kinesiologia (APAFIK)/Panamanian Association of Physiotherapy and/or Kinesiology, led by Nitzia Gonzalez, APAFIK president, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and government ministries. These visits reflect World Physiotherapy’s ongoing commitment to advancing the profession globally and improving health outcomes through rehabilitation.
Ann Nicholson, World Physiotherapy’s development programme manager, worked closely with each member organisation, to conduct a scoping review of the profession across four strategic pillars:
- Entry-level education
- Continuing professional development
- Regulation
- Advocacy
Both visits concluded with a high-level meeting involving PAHO, World Physiotherapy, the relevant member organisation, and the respective ministry of health. These discussions focused on defining next steps and developing action plans to strengthen physiotherapy and expand access to rehabilitation services.
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.
Ann said: “By collaborating with governments and international organisations, World Physiotherapy is helping to make sure that rehabilitation is recognised as an essential component of healthcare, enabling people in Ecuador and Panama to access the quality physiotherapy services they need.”
