The Challenge

Rehabilitation services enable optimal functioning and quality of life, increase productivity, maximize the effectiveness and impact of health interventions, and represent an essential component of universal health coverage (UHC). Global burden of disease data show that one-third of the world’s population will need rehabilitation throughout the course of an illness or health condition.1 Due to aging populations, surging non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and persisting conflict-induced injuries, the need for rehabilitation will only grow. Despite this growing need, rehabilitation is rarely prioritized in countries’ health systems and UHC strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is often a lack of stewardship, institutional ownership, and accountability from the health sector, as rehabilitation has traditionally been viewed as a part of the disability or social welfare agenda. However, rehabilitation services are an essential part of the continuum of care for many health conditions2, and ministries of health are seeking political, social, and economic solutions to bridge the gap among the disability/social welfare and health sectors.  

The World Health Organization’s Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative (Rehab 2030) is calling attention to the magnitude of this treatment gap and has called for global action by all stakeholders. It advocates for countries to recognize rehabilitation as a key component of UHC alongside promotive, preventive, curative, and palliative care. With the global agenda set and endorsed, countries seek to understand better, test, and implement priority actions set forth by the initiative.