Leaving no one behind: access to rehabilitation services is an integral part of universal health coverage
Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the full range of health services they need – including rehabilitation – without experiencing financial hardship.
Anyone with an acute or chronic health condition, impairment or injury that limits their ability to move, hear, see, communicate or participate in society needs rehabilitation. This is an essential health service and a health strategy for all, since everyone will experience health problems at some point in their life.
It is vital that rehabilitation services are recognized as an integral part of universal health coverage if we are to build an equitable society.
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At least half of the world’s population still does not have full coverage of essential health services. In some countries, over 50% of people who need rehabilitation services do not receive them. The demand for rehabilitation services already exceeds availability, leaving a large unmet need. Rehabilitation interventions can include movements to increase joint range, stretches, resistance exercises, aerobic exercise, balance exercises and functional exercises.
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Rehabilitation is increasingly important in light of the Region’s ageing population and rising prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and mental disorders.
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Rehabilitation places a strong emphasis on educating and empowering people to manage their health conditions, adapt to their situation, and remain as independent and active as possible. It focuses primarily on improving their functioning and reducing the experience of disability.
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Rehabilitation enables greater participation in education, employment and community life, with far-reaching health, social and economic benefits. Rehabilitation is also a good investment as it is cost-effective. It helps people to achieve and maintain the best outcomes of other health interventions. It shortens hospital stays, decreases readmissions and reduces the risks of complications due to health problems.
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To assist countries in strengthening rehabilitation, WHO developed “Rehabilitation in health systems: guide for action”. This resource leads governments through health system-strengthening practices with a focus on rehabilitation. WHO is also developing a package of interventions for rehabilitation to support governments in planning and budgeting for rehabilitation services.
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WHO recognizes rehabilitation as a necessary aspect of the medical response during health emergencies and disease outbreaks. Survey results from the United Kingdom’s Chartered Society of Physiotherapists found that 6 out of 10 COVID-19 patients need ongoing rehabilitation after being discharged from the hospital. Rehabilitation is key to the physical, emotional, community and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that we all look forward to.