Implementation of rehabilitation innovations: A global priority for a healthier society

With improved global survival rates, there is an increased demand for health-care needs for persons with noncommunicable diseases, chronic illnesses, and disaster survivors (including pandemics). Many countries struggle to meet the existing demand for health care, including rehabilitation services. Further, many persons with disability still experience socioeconomic inequity/disparities in accessing rehabilitation services. Despite increased demand for rehabilitation, many countries globally struggle to meet existing demand due to economic, social, and other barriers. The World Health Organization (WHO) initiative “Rehabilitation 2030: A Call for Action” promotes universal access to rehabilitation and prioritizes the scaling-up and strengthening of rehabilitation services and strong governance of global health partnerships and coordination between the authorities and public. The WHO launched a conceptual framework “WHO Rehabilitation in Health Systems: Guide for Action” for the development and implementation of an effective rehabilitation program within the health-care system. This pivotal resource provides detailed steps to lead governments through rehabilitation system strengthening practice specifically in low- and middle-income countries, organized in four key phases: (i) assessment of the situation; (ii) development of a rehabilitation strategic plan; (iii) establishment of the monitoring, evaluation, and review processes; and (iv) implementation of the strategic plan. The goal is to shift health trajectories onto the rehabilitation-inclusive system in a sustainable and equitable path. The article aims to provide an overview of key global initiatives in disability and rehabilitation, exclusively highlighting the WHO framework and other innovative care models for consideration.