The World Physiotherapy annual review 2023 captures the organisation’s activities as the global profession emerged from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to create and build connections around the world.
Writing in the annual review, Michel Landry, World Physiotherapy president, said the global physiotherapy profession had achieved significant milestones during 2023, reflecting the growth and unity of the community.
He said: “The World Physiotherapy Congress 2023 was a landmark event, held in the Gulf States for the first time, showcasing the profession’s growth globally… The congress also served as a platform for advocacy, leading to the Dubai Health Authority approving a direct access policy to physiotherapy for the local population.”
He emphasised World Physiotherapy’s ongoing strong voice within the World Health Organization (WHO), and the organisation’s advocacy to highlight the importance of rehabilitation and the role of physiotherapists in humanitarian crises and other critical phases of action.
“Conflicts and sudden-onset events have had tragic impacts on communities, affecting rehabilitation outcomes. World Physiotherapy has been in regular contact with our member organisations affected by conflicts, including those in Israel, Myanmar, Palestine, Ukraine, and Yemen. Natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, and cyclones have also affected a number of member organisations, many of which have developed humanitarian crisis strategies to better prepare for future events.”
Reflecting on eight years as World Physiotherapy chief executive officer, Jonathon Kruger said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of my tenure has been witnessing the transformative impact of our collective efforts.
“My primary policy concern has been the pursuit of direct access physiotherapy. It is humbling to be leaving this role with substantially more people across the globe being able to see a physiotherapist without a referral from another health professional.
“The pandemic fundamentally changed healthcare systems around the globe, but we all adapted to this evolving landscape and embraced innovation along the way. Whether it was advocating for access to telerehabilitation, harnessing remote technology to enhance patient care, or fostering collaboration across borders, I am proud that through these dark times we remained steadfast in our commitment to advancing the vision of World Physiotherapy that everyone has universal access to quality physiotherapy services where and when needed.”
