Policy and prioritization

Historically, rehabilitation has been a low priority for many governments in resource-limited countries. Knowledge and data are essential to help policymakers reach informed decisions about resource allocation, based on current demand, and formulate effective policy. ReLAB-HS will therefore develop accessible tools, including a new policy simulation tool.

We will carry out costing studies, which will be used to monitor return on investments and ensure resource mobilization for rehabilitation. Analyzing financing mechanisms for rehabilitation is important to foster sustainability and scale-up of rehabilitation services and AT. Monitoring the performance of rehabilitation and AT will not only inform planning, but also promote accountability of authorities and healthcare providers to the people who use the services. This should lead to improved quality and greater ownership.

ReLAB-HS will also strengthen the health information system, generating data to shape decisions about resource allocation.