Rehabilitation in disasters: lessons learned and future challenges

At #ISPRM2024 in Sydney, Fary Khan and Carolina Schiappacasse led a compelling session on “Rehabilitation in Disasters and Complex Humanitarian Emergencies,” joined by Volodymyr Golyk and Stephen Faux.

Volodymyr Golyk opened the session by sharing the devastating realities of war in Ukraine, highlighting the physical and psychological toll on soldiers and civilians. His presentation underscored the essential role of rehabilitation and global support in addressing war-related injuries.

Carolina Schiappacasse drew attention to landmine injuries, a crisis often overlooked but with millions affected worldwide. Sharing her experiences from Cambodia, she illuminated the challenges of physical and psychological rehabilitation in these communities and called for international action against landmines.

Fary Khan emphasized the importance of disaster management for spinal cord injuries, presenting strategies supported by WHO guidelines for emergency medical teams. Her insights highlighted the critical need for upskilling rehabilitation professionals to respond effectively in crisis zones.

The session concluded with Stephen Faux’s reflections on the challenges faced by refugees, including chronic pain, PTSD, and limited access to care. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and global resource sharing to support rehabilitation efforts in crises.

This thought-provoking session reminded us of the urgent need to address these issues and work collectively to provide optimal care and improve quality of life for those affected by disasters and humanitarian emergencies.