Implications of development aid withdrawal on the growing unmet rehabilitation needs in Africa

Abstract

Today, more than before, the world is faced with significant demographic changes, requiring rehabilitation services; however, many of the world’s population in need of rehabilitation services is unable to access the service, hence a high unmet need for rehabilitation services. This is partly because of the fact that in many health systems, especially in limited resource settings, rehabilitation remains unprioritised, despite its recognition as a core component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Though the global efforts are calling for reforms to strengthen rehabilitation in health systems and integrating rehabilitation into primary care, the current financial cuts negatively impact these efforts. This editorial highlights the reflection of a rehabilitation professional on the impact of recent financial cuts on rehabilitation services in Africa. The financial assistance cut has resulted in negative consequences at individual and health system levels, including reduced access to rehabilitation services, increased out-of-pocket expenditure and poor health outcomes at individual level. This editorial aims to stimulate policy dialogue, inform strategic planning and galvanise action among government actors, development partners and civil society to scale up rehabilitation services and ensure no one is left behind and recommends investing in rehabilitation workforce development, embedding rehabilitation in primary healthcare, strengthening data systems and fostering public–private partnerships.