Ontario Tech's IDRR Named WHO Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation
The Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR) at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa has been designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health. The WHO made this designation on August 19, 2024, and Professor Pierre Côté, of the Faculty of Health Sciences, will serve as director of the centre.
The WHO reports that nearly one-third of the world's 8.1 billion people live with a health condition that could benefit from rehabilitation, such as back pain and arthritis. The agency says that, in many instances, people requiring rehabilitation are unable to access the essential health interventions they need. The designation means the IDRR will work with the WHO on rehabilitation research, technical advice, and training for four years.
According to the WHO, Collaborating Centres like the IDRR support its programs by carrying out research, education, and technical assistance activities. The IDRR will focus on strengthening research in rehabilitation science, providing technical advice, and developing training and education initiatives. The WHO Rehabilitation 2030 Call for Action states that fewer than half of people worldwide who need rehabilitation services receive them. The Pan American Health Organization and WHO estimate that around 15 million Canadians could benefit from rehabilitation services.
The WHO states that Collaborating Centres assist countries in enhancing health system coverage and delivering people-centred health services based on primary health care strategies. There are currently more than 800 WHO Collaborating Centres in over 80 member states. These institutions focus on various health topics, including occupational health, communicable diseases, nutrition, mental health, and health technologies. Each centre is designated for a term of four years, with the possibility of renewal.
Ontario Tech University states that the IDRR is a partnership among its Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. With this new designation, the IDRR joins the WHO’s global network of Collaborating Centres dedicated to rehabilitation and musculoskeletal health.