Tajikistan Expands Rehabilitation Access in Rural Areas

Tajikistan's Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has increased access to rehabilitation services for residents in four rural districts. This initiative addresses the significant gap where at least 50% of people in low- and middle-income countries lack necessary rehabilitation care, making integration into primary healthcare facilities a key strategy.

The WHO's Basic Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (Basic PIR) trains primary care workers to identify individuals needing rehabilitation, assess their functional limitations, and provide basic interventions in areas with limited specialist availability. A five-day training session in July 2024 involved primary care doctors and nurses identified by the ministry.

Healthcare professionals who completed the training are now delivering basic rehabilitation services using the Basic PIR model across the four rural districts. WHO continues to provide mentorship through a digital online group, and follow-up visits to primary care clinics are conducted by ministry officials, two Tajik rehabilitation specialists, and WHO to offer support and guidance.