Global health initiatives in developing nations are primarily designed to address the health needs of populations affected by events such as armed conflict, infectious pandemics, poverty and/or natural disaster. However, the majority of these initiatives seem to be based on acute medical and nursing care. Subsequently, and even when there are preventive or health promotion efforts, the role of the Physical Therapist (PTs) within these initiatives has not been well-defined. Despite these challenges, Physical Therapy (PT) has indeed become increasingly involved in global health programming. In particular, there has been growing involvement of PTs within the international trend to implement Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) as a strategy for sustainable and effective development of the health and social sectors. However, as both developed and developing countries become increasingly committed to reducing the global burden of disease, it will be important for the profession of PT to more fully define and establish its role in this process.

Canadian PTs have been actively engaged in international health initiatives in a variety of settings on many of the world’s continents. Some examples of these initiatives includes PTs working at the International Centre for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation (ICACBR) at Queen’s University who in 2003 celebrated their 10th year anniversary in the Balkans, and those at Dalhousie University who have worked in Kuwait for a number of years. These are only a few examples of Canadian Physical Therapy organizations and universities, many of whom are also members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), who have made an impact at the global level. These institutional examples are of course in addition to the numerous individual PTs who have independently contributed to international health in various capacities.

VISION
The vision for the International Health Division (IHD) of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association is to become a reliable and influential resource and a strong advocate group for the importance of physical therapists in the area of global health.  While focusing on countries with developing and transitional economies, the IHD will facilitate access to a broad range of information ranging from international health and disability issues to volunteer opportunities.  The Division will harness the passion, interests and energy of its members from across Canada and work in collaboration with colleagues from around the world.  
 
MISSION
The mission of the International Health Division (IHD) of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association is to educate, advocate and motivate physical therapists from across Canada regarding International Health.

GOAL 
The goal International Health Division (IHD) of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association is to provide relevant information, resources and opportunities to expand the role of physical therapy around the world, especially within developing nations.   

OBJECTIVES 
The primary objectives of the IHD are the following:

The activities of the IHD must be flexible in order to meet the needs of its members, but the main activities shall be the following: