USAID, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, announced the launch of a new five-year project called “Rehabilitation in Ukraine” (Rehab4U). This project will become the largest U.S. investment in physical rehabilitation in the country and aims to create an effective rehabilitation system that will provide Ukrainians with access to quality care and support services directly in their communities.
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Project goal: improving access to rehabilitation services
The main goal of the Rehab4U project is to create a national rehabilitation system that will ensure Ukrainians have access to care and support services, including the use of modern assistive technologies. The project will unite government institutions, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and international partners to improve rehabilitation service standards and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“USAID has been our strategic partner for many years, and we are sincerely grateful for the strong support of Ukraine at all levels, especially in these difficult times. The ongoing full-scale war has presented new challenges for our healthcare system. The launch of the ‘Rehab4U’ project is extremely important for our country today, as developing a modern rehabilitation system and improving access to quality services remain our top priorities,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Health Viktor Lyashko.
Project implementation and key partners
The “Rehabilitation in Ukraine” project is being implemented with financial support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The project was launched on July 1, 2024, by the organization “Momentum Wheels for Humanity.” Other project partners include Results for Development (R4D), Project Hope, the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine, and Deloitte.
The project will be rolled out in at least 15 regions of Ukraine, focusing on improving access to and the quality of physical rehabilitation services, including assistive technologies.
Rehabilitation support in the context of war
In her statement, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink emphasized the importance of the project amid the ongoing war. “The U.S. government has been a reliable partner in Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system for a long time, and today, in the face of the brutal war with Russia, this support is more crucial than ever. The number of injured veterans and civilians since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion has made strengthening rehabilitation services a priority investment for the United States, as we work to support your people who suffer daily from Russia’s brutal attacks,” she said.
Since the beginning of the war, the number of people in need of rehabilitation has significantly increased, making the development of rehabilitation infrastructure essential. USAID, along with its partners, is actively working to strengthen the rehabilitation system for both military and civilian casualties of the war.
Developing rehabilitation infrastructure and supporting inclusion
Over the next five years, Rehab4U will help develop rehabilitation infrastructure in Ukraine, improving service standards and expanding access to modern assistive technologies. One of the main goals is to enhance the qualifications of rehabilitation specialists and ensure services are available at the community level.
The project will also work on supporting social inclusion and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities, ensuring they can contribute to the social and economic development of the country.
Collaboration with local communities
“Momentum Wheels for Humanity” has been operating in Ukraine for over 25 years and has experience implementing comprehensive projects that meet the needs of the population, including people with disabilities. According to Jeanette Hanowski, the deputy executive director of Momentum Wheels for Humanity, the rehabilitation services provided under the project will be aimed at wide community outreach and greater integration of people with disabilities.
“We strive to support a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation services that meets the needs of the entire population. With the support of USAID and in partnership with the Ministry of Health, we hope to continue our efforts to develop the rehabilitation sector and promote practices that foster greater integration of people with disabilities for full community interaction,” said Jeanette Hanowski.
Conclusion
The “Rehabilitation in Ukraine” (Rehab4U) project is an important step toward developing an inclusive rehabilitation system that will meet the needs of people who have experienced physical and psychological trauma, particularly as a result of the war. With support from USAID and other international partners, Ukraine will be able to create an accessible, effective rehabilitation system that will help millions of citizens who need support.
