Estimated delegates,

The International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine delivers this statement with the support of the World Rehabilitation Alliance.

Integrating rehabilitation into maternal and newborn care improves recovery, prevents complications, and promotes long-term well-being for both mothers and babies. Global progress in reducing child mortality has resulted in more children surviving infancy with disabilities and potential long-term rehabilitation needs.

For mothers, rehabilitation can ease pain, emotional distress, and physical problems like pelvic floor dysfunction, enhancing their ability to care for themselves and their newborns.

For newborns—especially those with prematurity, birth trauma, or conditions like cerebral palsy—early rehabilitation is key to reach the optimal development of the children, reduces complications, and helps prevent long-term disabilities.

To achieve universal health coverage, rehabilitation must be a core part of maternal and newborn and childcare, ensuring healthier outcomes and better quality of life.

Thank you