Asserting that approximately 590 million people in the South-East Asia Region require rehabilitation services — particularly for conditions such as low back pain, vision loss, fractures, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday urged countries in the region to accelerate access to rehabilitative and assistive technology services. These measures are crucial for enhancing quality of life and fostering community participation.

Additionally, the WHO called for the integration of basic rehabilitation into routine health services and the expansion of innovative care models to ensure equitable access, particularly for those in remote and underserved areas.

“Rehabilitation services encompass a wide range of essential support systems, from physical therapy for injury recovery to counselling for mental health and addiction recovery.

These services are not merely about medical treatment; they are about restoring dignity, hope, and the ability to participate fully in society,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia.

Emphasising the urgency of the situation, she added, “The last 20 year’s trends depicts that the need for rehabilitation is increasing in South-East Asia region, and will further elevate in coming years, given the increasing prevalence of conditions associated with ageing and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).”

Rehabilitation is a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment.

Primary healthcare facilities often lack sufficient rehabilitation services and benefit packages offer inadequate coverage. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of healthcare professionals in this field.

“People and communities must be engaged and empowered, with a focus on increasing health literacy and enhancing demand for rehabilitation services, including assistive technologies,” said Wazed.