International Rehabilitation Forum (IRF) Joins Forces with the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) to Advocate for Global Rehabilitation Equity and Resource Distribution
Geneva, Switzerland - July 14, 2023
The International Rehabilitation Forum (IRF) participated in the momentous World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) Members meeting held at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The event marked the official launch of the WRA, a WHO global network of stakeholders united in their mission to support the implementation of the Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative through advocacy activities. The focus of the alliance is to promote rehabilitation as an essential health service that is integral to Universal Health Coverage, setting the stage for a paradigm shift in the global health system to strengthen rehabilitation efforts worldwide.
At the heart of this alliance lies a commitment to revolutionize the rehabilitation landscape, fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals from all walks of life. Dr. Alarcos Cieza, a Unit Head responsible of the Vision, Audition, Disability and Rehabilitation Department of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized that the WRA operates on three fundamental principles: functioning, equity, and integration.
As a member of the WRA, IRF strives to raise awareness about the prevailing disparities in rehabilitation resources globally and advocate for equitable resource distribution, with a particular focus on enhancing the training of rehabilitation medicine care in regions where these essential services are scarce. These regions include the very nations from which many of our fellows originate.
Championing Rehabilitation Equity and Global Resource Distribution
Through our active involvement with the WRA, IRF assumes a vital role in prioritizing the challenges faced by underserved communities. We passionately champion the cause of equitable rehabilitation resource allocation and capacity building in regions where access to essential and quality rehabilitation services is limited. Collaborating with other WRA members, IRF bridges the gaps in access to rehabilitation services and the specialized care provided by skilled rehabilitation experts, with a focus on empowering rehabilitation care providers in low-income countries.
Key Moments
- IRF was officially recognized as a member of the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA), cementing its commitment to advocate for global rehabilitation equity.
- Proactively engaging with stakeholders and other member organizations from low-resource countries sparked meaningful dialogue, laying the foundation for potential partnerships aimed at building comprehensive rehabilitation care practice systems in regions with limited resources.
- IRF actively contributed to the research and primary care workstream meetings, resulting in operationalized action plans set to be implemented in the coming quarter.
- Launch of resource packages by WHO: IRF witnessed the exciting launch of new resource packages by the WHO to bolster rehabilitation efforts globally. These packages include:
Reflecting on the Event
IRF left the meeting profoundly committed to its advocacy role, particularly in amplifying the voices of communities facing significant disparities in rehabilitation services. The event served as a rallying point, aligning the organization's mission with the broader vision of the WRA. The discussions and collaborations with experts and fellow professionals provided new avenues to collaborate, driving a bigger impact worldwide.
"As a WRA member, IRF has a unique opportunity to advocate for resource distribution and capacity-building in countries where rehabilitation services are severely limited," said Miriam Chun, Executive Director at IRF. "This meeting reinforced the significance of our role and strengthened our determination to empower local leaders and medical experts to fight for building rehabilitation care"
Looking Ahead
IRF's journey as a WRA member is just beginning. Collaborating with the WRA and other stakeholders, IRF aims to channel advocacy efforts towards achieving equitable rehabilitation resource distribution worldwide and empower care providers in low-resource countries.
The event has set the stage for a new era of transformation in the rehabilitation industry. IRF eagerly looks forward to building on this momentum, supporting pioneers in low-income countries that establish rehabilitation specialized care systems for the lives of people who urgently need access to quality rehabilitation services.
About IRF
The International Rehabilitation Forum (IRF) is a non-profit organization committed to fostering expertise and collaboration in the development of relevant rehabilitation medicine practices in low-resource countries. Through its emphasis on capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy, the IRF aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation needs, particularly those who are most vulnerable, receive the necessary care to regain their independence.
Areas you can get involved in the IRF
IRF partners with passionate minds and professionals with a variety of skills and backgrounds. We are physicians, nurses, rehabilitation consumers, allied health professionals, philanthropists, business admins, advocates and more. Together we transform the health paradigm to include rehabilitation medicine in low resource countries.
Currently seeking support in:
- Volunteer faculty for africa fellowship
- Social media enthusiast
- Fundraising
We are also looking for partnerships with medical institutions where IRF’s Africa Fellows can visit and gain hands-on experiences in PM&R practices and multidisciplinary PM&R team.