On March 28, 2025, the Second All-Ukrainian Conference “Rehabilitation in Pediatrics” took place in Kyiv, bringing together physicians specializing in physical and rehabilitation medicine, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other specialists. The event served as a platform for discussing the challenges facing the children’s rehabilitation system during wartime.
Participants listened to presentations by leading Ukrainian and international experts who shared modern approaches to children’s recovery after injuries, burns, and neurological disorders. The focus was on the latest evidence-based methods used worldwide, as well as successful cases of their implementation in Ukrainian hospitals. Specialists discussed complex clinical cases, exchanged experiences, and shared practical tools to improve the quality of rehabilitation care for children.
It was also emphasized that it is crucial to work according to global standards adapted to Ukrainian realities. This involves not only the implementation of effective therapeutic approaches but also a change in communication with parents—engaging in open and honest discussions about recovery prospects and treatment forecasts.
Key aspects of rehabilitation discussed at the conference included:
- Recovery of newborns and young children;
- Neuro rehabilitation and recovery after war-related injuries;
- Acute rehabilitation (ICU);
- Rehabilitation of children with oncological diseases;
- An interdisciplinary approach to treatment and recovery.
Professional collaboration is the key to effective rehabilitation, making this conference an important step toward uniting specialists from different regions of Ukraine. Through experience exchange, participants were able to enhance their knowledge of modern approaches to pediatric rehabilitation and establish cooperation with colleagues to improve the quality of care for children. Special attention was given to the discussion of clinical cases, allowing scientific knowledge to be adapted to real patient needs.
“The war has changed reality for thousands of Ukrainian children who need high-quality and modern rehabilitation. We cannot allow these children to be left without the necessary assistance. The demand for professional rehabilitation is growing rapidly, and the healthcare system must adapt to new challenges. It is crucial not only to adopt international experience but also to integrate it into Ukrainian realities, creating an effective and accessible rehabilitation system. That is why conferences like this are so important—they provide an opportunity for specialists to join efforts and implement the best global practices so that every child has a chance for quality recovery and a full life,” said Anastasiia Boichuk, strategic leader of the “Rehabilitation of War Injuries in Ukraine” initiative.
