ReLAB-HS currently works in three countries: Burma, Pakistan, and Uganda, and previously had a presence in Ukraine. These countries were 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, healthcare and approaches to rehabilitation. These diverse health system conditions – including different health financing models, overall health system resourcing, adequacy of human resources, and varied progress in integrating rehabilitation into health systems – provide a solid basis for learning.
In each country, our consortium partners have built strong relationships with the ministry of health, academia, service providers, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society actors. With support from our local partners, we will engage with four main stakeholder groups: policymakers and national, provincial and district health officers; community health workers; skilled healthcare providers; and people requiring rehabilitation and/or assistive technology (AT). This approach will help ensure that ReLAB-HS activities complement current efforts to strengthen the health system for rehabilitation.
All program activities will be fully aligned with USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategies for each country.