The WHO announced that a landmark resolution on “Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems” was adopted by 194 Members States at the 76th World Health Assembly. The resolution responds to the large global need for rehabilitation and the significant gap in the availability of services, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with as much as 50% of people not receiving the rehabilitation they require.

The resolution highlights:

-the importance of raising awareness of rehabilitation among policy- and decision-makers when setting health priorities;

-the need to better equip countries in responding to rehabilitation needs, including assistive technology, in the context of health emergencies;

-common challenges faced in accessing affordable, quality, and appropriate rehabilitation services, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations;

-the current lack of a rehabilitation workforce that urgently needs to be addressed.

The resolution calls for key actions to be taken by Member States, international organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen rehabilitation in health systems. It also requests that the WHO Secretariat support the implementation of Rehabilitation 2030 through the development of technical guidance and resources, the development of feasible targets and indicators, and by integrating rehabilitation and assistive technology in its emergency medical teams, among other requests.

The successful implementation of this resolution is critical to ensure the enjoyment of human rights, including the best possible physical and mental health.

The WHO Secretariat will report on their progress in the implementation of this resolution to the World Health Assembly in 2026, 2028, and 2030.

On July 10–11, 2023, WHO will be hosting the 3rd Global Rehabilitation 2030 meeting, where to discuss the adoption of this landmark resolution and the actions requested. Also, will be launched key WHO technical products that will facilitate the implementation of the resolution in countries. More information on this meeting and the technical products you can find here.