ONTARIO-Nearly one-third of the planet’s 8.1-billion people live with a health condition that could benefit from rehabilitation, such as back pain and arthritis according to the World Health Organization. Yet, in many instances, they are unable to access the essential health interventions they require.
“We need concerted efforts to develop a global response to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal conditions by building research capacity and collecting data in the field of rehabilitation. As a WHO Collaborating Centre on Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health, Ontario Tech University’s Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research will proudly promote the advancement and integration of rehabilitation as part of universal health coverage, to address unmet needs and help people independently participate in everyday activities like work, education and recreation.” said Prof. Pierre Côté, Epidemiologist, Ontario Tech University.
As part of the global response to this issue, the WHO recently designated the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR) at Ontario Tech University as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health. Professor Pierre Côté of Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Health Sciences, who leads the IDRR, will serve as Director of the new WHO Collaborating Centre.
WHO Collaborating Centres are institutions such as research institutes, parts of universities or academies, which are designated by the WHO Director-General to carry out activities in support of WHO’s programs.
Over the next four years, the IDRR will support the WHO in strengthening research in rehabilitation science, provide the agency with technical advice, and develop training and education initiatives.
Rehabilitation needs are expected to rise, affecting individuals of all ages and experiences—from young people with physical limitations to older people experiencing chronic disease and age-related challenges.
The new Collaborating Centre’s research will assist the WHO enable countries to:
- Strengthen their health systems to deliver condition- and disease-specific service-coverage results.
- Provide high-quality, people-centred health services, based on primary health-care strategies.
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