​On 27 May 2023), the World Health Organization adopted its first-ever resolution solely focusing on "Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems". The initiative was spearheaded by Israel, together with the support of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda and Slovakia, and in close collaboration with civil society organizations. It received global support and was approved without a vote during the 76th World Health Assembly currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

Globally, 1 in 3 people today are estimated to be living with a health condition that would benefit from rehabilitation, and the numbers are predicted to rise rapidly, due to the aging population, the spread of new infectious and non-communicable diseases and the consequences of disasters. Currently, rehabilitation needs are largely unmet globally and in many countries, more than 50% of the people do not receive the rehabilitation services they require.

The resolution specifically calls on States to allocate more resources to rehabilitation needs and fully include it as an essential health strategy for achieving universal health coverage. It also calls on WHO’s Director General Dr. Tedros to develop feasible global health system rehabilitation targets and indicators for effective coverage of rehabilitation services for 2030.

Israel’s envoy to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Meirav EILON SHAHAR said: “Rehabilitation should be part of the Universal Health Coverage, and countries should fully embrace this new initiative. Israel is proud to champion this topic and - for the second time in 2 years - lead the successful adoption of a resolution at the WHO.”

She added “Israel is a valued partner on the international stage, and today’s diplomatic success demonstrates our commitment to advancing global health and contributing to multilateral efforts”.

ENDS