Disability and Rehabilitation in Post-War Societies: Challenges, Responses, and Pathways to Inclusion

Nalongo Bina K.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Armed conflicts leave profound and enduring impacts on populations, with disability emerging as one of the most significant yet under-addressed consequences of war. This narrative review examines the burden of disability in post-war societies, the multidimensional challenges faced by persons with disabilities, and the evolving landscape of rehabilitation and inclusion efforts. Evidence from conflict-affected regions demonstrates that war-related injuries, psychological trauma, explosive remnants, and the destruction of health and social systems significantly increase disability prevalence while simultaneously weakening service delivery capacity. Post-conflict environments are further characterized by inadequate funding, fragmented health systems, limited assistive technologies, and persistent social stigma, all of which constrain rehabilitation outcomes and hinder social integration. Despite these barriers, innovative approaches including community-based rehabilitation (CBR), inclusive policy reforms, strengthened health workforce training, and partnerships between governments, NGOs, and disability organizations show promise in advancing equitable access to rehabilitation services. The review highlights the need for long-term, context-specific strategies that prioritize accessibility, community participation, and systems strengthening. Sustainable investments in rehabilitation, robust disability-inclusive policies, and the integration of assistive technologies are essential for enabling full participation and improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in post-war settings.

Keywords: Post-conflict rehabilitation, Disability inclusion, Community-based rehabilitation (CBR), Assistive technology, and Social and structural barriers.

CITE AS: Nalongo Bina K. (2026). Disability and Rehabilitation in Post-War Societies: Challenges, Responses, and Pathways to Inclusion. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):117-127. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2026/111117127