Within this landscape, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in restoring mobility, functionality and quality of life to individuals grappling with a myriad of conditions.

In the western Asia-Pacific region, where unequal access to healthcare persists, the APA’s assistance has the potential to be transformative.

By extending our expertise and resources to support the enhancement of physiotherapy practices in developing nations, we can enable positive change and foster sustainable development.

Physiotherapy is not merely a matter of treating injuries or managing conditions.

It represents empowerment, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives despite physical challenges.

However, in many developing countries within the western Asia-Pacific region, access to quality physiotherapy services is limited, primarily due to factors such as insufficient training programs, scarce resources and inadequate infrastructure.

This scarcity perpetuates cycles of disability, poverty and reduced productivity, exacerbating the health divide.

In partnering with local healthcare authorities and organisations in these regions, the APA can help bridge the gaps.

One of the primary ways in which the APA supports the improvement of physiotherapy practice in developing countries is through knowledge exchange and capacity building initiatives.

As well as facilitating the provision of courses and lectures to over 35 countries and participating in educational exchanges through our memorandum of understanding, the APA helps local physiotherapists to upskill in accordance with the latest evidence-based practices, techniques and methodologies.

This not only enhances the skills of local professionals, but also strengthens the overall healthcare system in the region, leading to better patient outcomes and increased community resilience.

The APA can also contribute to the development of culturally sensitive and context-specific approaches to physiotherapy, such as our delivery in Hong Kong, Singapore, Greece, Fiji, Indonesia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Understanding the specific sociocultural dynamics and healthcare needs of each community is essential for effective intervention.

Collaborating with local stakeholders—including patients, caregivers and community leaders—allows us to ensure that physiotherapy services are tailored to address the specific challenges and preferences of the population.

This holistic approach encourages trust, promotes inclusivity and magnifies the overall impact of physiotherapy interventions.

The APA’s support extends beyond clinical practice to advocacy and policy reform.

By advocating for the integration of physiotherapy services into national healthcare systems and policies, the APA can help elevate the status of physiotherapy as a vital component of comprehensive healthcare delivery.

This advocacy facilitates greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development and research, laying the groundwork for sustainable improvement in physiotherapy practice.

In addition to direct assistance, the APA can amplify the impact of interventions and promote knowledge dissemination on a global scale.

Fostering partnerships and collaboration enables the APA and the organisations, authorities and individuals with which it works to maximise their reach and effectiveness as we try to address the complex challenges facing physiotherapy practice in the western Asia-Pacific region.

We have an opportunity to make a significant impact on global health by assisting developing countries to improve the standard of physiotherapy practice.

Through knowledge exchange, capacity building, advocacy and collaboration, the APA can empower local communities, strengthen healthcare systems and contribute to the realisation of universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.

By investing in the health and wellbeing of under-served populations, the APA not only fulfils its ethical obligations, but also reaffirms its commitment to promoting health equity and social justice on a global scale.