WFC co-sponsors rehabilit at ion side event during WHA

In May, the WFCworked with a range of partners to co-sponsor a side event in Geneva, Switzerland during the 76th World Health Assembly. The event was organized to support the passing of the first ever WHO resolution on strengthening rehabilitation in health systems

WHO defines rehabilitation as ?a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in their interaction with their environment.?

This is the first time the WFChas been involved in an event of this nature, and it collaborated with organizations including the International Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, World Physiotherapy, Humanity and Inclusion

International, the World Federation of Occupational Therapy and others. The event was also officially supported by Cochrane Rehabilitation and the countries of Israel, Brazil, Croatia, Colombia and Brazil

The meeting was attended by ambassadors and diplomats as well as world leaders from the rehabilitation community, who heard a panel of speakers, including the WHO?s Professor Alarcos Cieza and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College?s Professor Pierre Côté describe the global need and significance of rehabilitation around the world

WFCSecretary-General and WHO designated focal point Richard Brown said: ?Chiropractors are highly trained and competent to deliver evidence-based rehabilitation using a range of interventions for persons with spine and joint disorders Throughout the history of the profession, chiropractors have focused on improving function to prevent disability and support persons with disabilities. With low back pain being the largest single cause of years lived with disability on the planet, chiropractors are well placed to work interprofessionally and collaboratively to create happier, healthier and more active lives

?We must embed rehabilitation as a core competency in chiropractic training and ensure that the chiropractors of tomorrow fully understand the role they can play in this area. Competency-based, biopsychosocial health professions education is now recognized by WHO as the gold standard Chiropractic can play a key role in addressing the world?s enormous unmet rehabilitation needs ?

The WFCis a founding member of the World Rehabilitation Alliance, a WHO-led initiative whose role is to advocate for increased access to rehabilitation globally.