Empowering Advocacy for Rehabilitation

We're thrilled to share a significant milestone in the world of rehabilitation! The groundbreaking "Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems" resolution (WHA 76.6) was adopted by the World Health Organization Member States at the World Health Assembly in May 2023. 

This historic resolution, the first of its kind dedicated to rehabilitation, sets forth a series of commitments for Member States, the WHO, and stakeholders to integrate rehabilitation services seamlessly within health systems. 

Introducing the Guidance Note: "Using the World Health Assembly Resolution as a tool to strengthen local and national advocacy for rehabilitation." Recently released, this resource supports the practical implementation of the WHA Resolution through effective advocacy at local and national levels. 

This Guidance Note was developed by the Learning, Acting, and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems (ReLAB-HS Consortium) initiative, generously funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with significant contributions from different partners. 

Key Objectives: 

  • Provide insight into the WHA Resolution's potential impact to influence local and national policies. 
  • Serve as a guide and inspiration for leveraging the WHA Resolution to drive policy and programmatic changes at local and national levels. 

This Guidance Note is not just a document; it's a practical tool for advocates striving for improved, accessible, affordable, and available rehabilitation services in their respective countries. 

If you want to learn more you could also refer to the paper Advancing the World Health Assembly’s landmark Resolution on Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems: unlocking the Future of Rehabilitation, by Vanessa Seijas, Carlotte Kiekens and Francesca Gimigliano.

Link to it: https://relabhs.org/world-health-assembly-resolution-advocacy-guidance/