79th WHA Individual Statements
Agenda Item 14.1: WHO’s work in health emergencies - Update on the response to major ongoing health emergencies
The International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine highlights the urgent need to integrate rehabilitation in health emergencies. Drawing on evidence emphasized by the World Rehabilitation Alliance, we stress that, while WHO has taken important steps to improve access, a critical need for timely, long-term rehabilitation services for both newly injured people and those with pre-existing conditions remains.
Emergencies increase the need for rehabilitation and, without rehabilitation and assistive technology, impacts can worsen, compounding needs and straining health systems. Prolonged crises show the necessity of addressing functioning as a third dimension alongside morbidity and mortality.
We urge WHO and Member States to embed rehabilitation into resilient, inclusive, people-centred responses