78th WHA Individual Statements
Handicap International Federation, supported by the World Rehabilitation Alliance, welcomes the emphasis on equitable access to rehabilitation services and assistive technology in the draft resolution on “Primary prevention and integrated care for sensory impairments, including vision impairment and hearing loss, across the life course”.
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of sensory impairments. Rehabilitation professionals contribute to the early identification of risk factors and the promotion of strategies to reduce the onset of sensory impairments. Through integrated care, rehabilitation maximises individual functioning, promotes independence and improves quality of life.
In order to effectively implement this pivotal resolution, we call on Member States to accelerate the integration of quality rehabilitation services and assistive technology at all levels of the health system, with special efforts in primary health care and for the most marginalised individuals and communities.