In April, representatives from 11 member organisations came together in Punta del Este, Uruguay, for the World Physiotherapy South America region general meeting.
Hosted by the Physiotherapists' Association of Uruguay (Asociación de Fisioterapeutas del Uruguay (AFU)) as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, the meeting provided an opportunity for member organisations to connect, exchange knowledge and identify shared priorities.
Delegates shared updates on developments within their countries and worked together to help shape the future direction of physiotherapy across the South America region.
Noemí Fremd, president of the Physiotherapists' Association of Uruguay, said, "For AFU, hosting the regional general meeting and the SAR conference was much more than simply organising an event: it was a valuable opportunity to showcase, both locally and abroad, the important role of the physiotherapy profession. It allowed us to raise the profile of our profession - scientifically, socially and politically - thereby strengthening its recognition and value. It was also an occasion for coming together, for collective development and a source of great pride for those of us who have been working towards a Uruguayan physiotherapy that is increasingly stronger, more visible and more respected.”
For the first time, delegates also welcomed the Association of Kinesiologists and Physiotherapists of Paraguay, which recently became a World Physiotherapy member organisation.
Sidy Dieye, World Physiotherapy CEO, and Oscar Ronzio, World Physiotherapy board member, joined delegates for discussions focused on the continued development of the profession across the region.
World Physiotherapy, the South America region executive committee, and member organisations shared reports and updates, including progress on actions agreed during the previous regional general meeting held in Lima, Peru, in 2024.
Rocio de la Rosa Alvarado, World Physiotherapy South America region chair and member of the Mexican Association of Physiotherapy, said, “the general meeting of the South American region of World Physiotherapy served as an important forum for the countries within the region, where representatives from each member organisation reported on, proposed and discussed issues of great relevance to the region."
The general meeting was followed by a successful two-day regional conference, which was attended by more than 400 participants from across the region.
