Integrating rehabilitation and assistive technology into health systems

Many of us will need physical rehabilitation at some stage in our lives, following a disease, illness, injury or as we get older. It is estimated that one in three people globally – around 2.4 billion – are living with a health condition that would benefit from rehabilitation.

About ReLAB-HS

Launched in late 2020, Learning, Acting, and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems (ReLAB-HS) is a comprehensive five-year program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), that responds to the escalating need for physical rehabilitation and assistive technology (AT) services in low and middle-income countries.

We partner with stakeholders across all levels of the health system, building technical, policy and research capacity; increasing political commitment; and inspiring leadership. ReLAB-HS uses new technology and supports streamlined, low-cost service delivery models that expand access to rehabilitation and AT in the home and community – where they are needed most.

Where we work

ReLAB-HS is currently working in two countries:

ReLAB-HS has completed work in two additional countries:


These countries have been selected because they represent a range of health, human development and equity indicators, burden of disease, and conflict and disaster risks. All countries have experienced or are currently experiencing conflict, as well as a complex set of conditions affecting health, health care, and approaches to rehabilitation and AT. These diverse health system conditions—including different health financing models, overall health system resourcing, adequacy of human resources, and varied progress in integrating rehabilitation and AT into health systems—provide a solid basis for learning.

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What we do

Service delivery

Improve delivery and demand of quality rehabilitation and assistive technology services at the community level

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Workforce

Develop capacity of health system leaders, managers, and providers to deliver rehabilitation and assistive technology

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Leadership and governance

Support development and implementation of plans and policies for rehabilitation and assistive technology

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Our Partners

ReLAB-HS is a uniquely talented international consortium made up of five partner organizations. Led by the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, together, they have considerable expertise in health systems, innovation in rehabilitation service delivery, and implementation science, gained from working in over 70 countries.

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Momentum
The University of Melbourne
Physiopedia
Humanity & Inclusion