ReLAB-HS Consortium Information

This is a global project that will support the development of health systems that are responsive to the growing needs for rehabilitation within populations. The five-year program will work with six international partners with expertise in health systems, implementation science, and delivery innovations. It will initially concentrate on a number of low- and middle-income countries affected by conflict, with varying levels of rehabilitation need and infrastructure. The consortium was started because the need for physical rehabilitation and assistive technology services is an urgent and growing global issue. The proportion of the population over 60 will double in the next 30 years the majority of whom will live with chronic disease. Approximately 150 million children and adolescents experience disabilities, and injuries for people of all ages are becoming more frequent due to conflict, rapid urbanization and motorization. These enormous unmet rehabilitation needs are concentrated amongst the poorest and most vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries and conflict-affected settings. ReLAB-HS presents a genuine opportunity to provide real improvements in the quality of life, functionality and independence for many people through simple interventions at the primary care level, and the use of technology to bring rehabilitation further into community settings.