Strengthening access to rehabilitation and assistive technology services in emergencies

The WHO Regional Office for Europe, alongside country offices, supports Member States with specialist technical briefings, trainings, assistive technology procurement and provision, data collection, and missions with experts.

Emergencies, in particular those that cause injuries or critical illness, such as conflicts, COVID-19 or earthquakes, create enormous surges in rehabilitation and assistive technology needs. To enable those injured or unwell to achieve the best possible health and functioning outcomes, it is essential to provide them with access to rehabilitation and assistive technology services.

All communities are at risk of emergencies. Unfortunately, it is often countries with poorly resourced health systems that are most vulnerable to emergencies. These health systems typically have limited access to assistive technology services and are therefore less likely to have the necessary capacity to respond comprehensively to population need.

The important role of rehabilitation and assistive technologies in emergency response is recognized in a growing number of global guidelines, including several WHO publications.