Today, USAID, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, announced the launch of a new Rehabilitation for Ukraine (Rehab4U) project, which will be the largest investment by the U.S. government in physical rehabilitation in the country. Rehab4U will bring together government agencies, non-governmental organisations, public associations, and international partners. The goal of the project is to create an effective rehabilitation system that will provide Ukrainians with access to quality care and support services directly in their communities.

“USAID has been our strategic partner for many years, and we are sincerely grateful for the strong support for Ukraine at all levels, especially in these difficult times. The ongoing full-scale war poses new challenges to the healthcare system. The launch of the Rehab4U project is extremely important for our country today, as the development of a modern rehabilitation system and improved access to quality services remain our top priorities,” said Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine.

The new five-year Rehabilitation for Ukraine (Rehab4U) project is being implemented with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Since 1 July 2024, Momentum Wheels for Humanity has been implementing it. The list of project implementing partners also includes Results for Development (R4D), Project Hope, the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine, and Deloitte. The project will cover at least 15 regions of Ukraine, aiming to improve access to and the quality of physical rehabilitation services, including assistive technology.

According to Bridget Brink, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, the U.S. government has long been a strong partner in Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, and today, in the face of a brutal war by russia, this support is more important than ever. The number of wounded veterans and civilians since the start of the full-scale invasion has made strengthening rehabilitation services a priority investment for the United States to support the people who suffer daily from russia’s brutal attacks.

Over the next five years, Rehab4U will support the development of rehabilitation infrastructure by making rehabilitation services accessible at the community level, improving standards of care, expanding the availability of modern assistive technology, and enhancing the skills of rehabilitation professionals. The programme will also work to support social inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities so that all Ukrainians can contribute to the social and economic development of their country.

According to Jeannette Hanowsky, Deputy Executive Director of Momentum Wheels for Humanity, the USAID Rehab4U project’s lead implementer, Momentum Wheels for Humanity has been working in Ukraine for more than 25 years and is committed to supporting a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation services that meets the needs of the entire population. With support from USAID and in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the organisation will continue its efforts to develop the rehabilitation sector and promote practices that facilitate greater integration of people with different abilities to fully engage with the community.