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Patient receiving rehabilitation care and treatment at a health-care centre in Norway (photo credit: WHO).
Patient receiving rehabilitation care and treatment at a health-care centre in Norway (photo credit: WHO).

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – The World Health Organization (WHO) says 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. Yet, in many instances they are unable to access the essential health interventions they require.

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. Approved Centres must meet very strict criteria.

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 WHO Rehabilitation 2030 Call for Action estimates that globally, fewer than half of all citizens needing rehabilitation services are able to receive them. Data from the Pan American Health Organization / WHO indicates that Canada also falls short, suggesting that 15 million Canadians could benefit from access to rehabilitation services.

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. 
Quick facts
Quotes

“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.”
-Prof. Pierre Côté, Epidemiologist, Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Ontario Tech University Research Excellence Chair in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation; Director, Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research; and Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University

“The IDRR’s historic designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre showcases Ontario Tech University’s global standing in health research. We are honoured to collaborate on this critical health priority, working together to promote equitable access to rehabilitation worldwide."
-Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

“We are delighted that the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research at Ontario Tech University has joined our family of phenomenal WHO collaborating centres in rehabilitation around the world. The work of the institute has been known to us for some time and we have had several successful collaborations together in the past culminating in this exciting opportunity for the centre to become a WHO collaborating centre. We are grateful for the work that the team does and are excited for the collaboration to get started and have a significant impact for our work on Rehabilitation 2030 and on musculoskeletal health.”
-Antony Duttine, Technical Lead for Rehabilitation, WHO

Media contact

Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
289.928.3653 (mobile)
bryan.oliver@ontariotechu.ca

About Ontario Tech University: Celebrating 20 years
A modern, forward-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.