For more than four decades, Prof Ushotanefe Useh has contributed to the advancement of physiotherapy through research, teaching, mentorship, clinical practice and professional leadership. That long record of service has now earned the Nigerian-born academic continental recognition, with the physiotherapist receiving the 2026 World Physiotherapy Africa Region Award.
Based in South Africa, Useh is widely regarded within professional circles as one of Africa's leading physiotherapy scholars. His work has influenced public health, strengthened physiotherapy education and contributed to the growth of research and professional development across the continent.
The significance of his contributions was reflected in the reaction of the South African Society of Physiotherapy, which congratulated him on the achievement saying the award recognised his outstanding contribution to physiotherapy, research, higher education and public health in Africa.
The society noted that Useh's career has been defined by a commitment to excellence, the generation of knowledge and the development of future healthcare professionals. It added that his impact extends beyond the profession itself, touching lives across the continent through decades of dedicated service.
His latest recognition also highlights the increasingly important role physiotherapists play in modern healthcare. Across Africa, rehabilitation services, policy advocacy, education and research are becoming more central to healthcare delivery, with professionals in the field helping to strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes.
The award itself is regarded as one of the highest honours presented by the World Physiotherapy Africa Region. It is reserved for physiotherapists whose work has made exceptional contributions to both the profession and healthcare delivery across the continent.
Behind the recognition was a rigorous selection process. Useh was nominated by the South African Society of Physiotherapy before his achievements were reviewed by the Africa Region Awards Committee. The recommendation was subsequently approved by the Africa Region Executive Committee.
The decision was formally communicated in a letter signed by Birgit Mueller-Winkler, Regional Administrator and World Physiotherapy Membership Manager, who conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Africa Region Executive Committee.
The honour was presented during the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 5 and 6, 2026.
The organisation responsible for the award, the World Physiotherapy Africa Region, brings together 27 member countries and works to strengthen physiotherapy services across the continent. Its priorities include expanding membership, fostering regional partnerships, supporting physiotherapy educators, promoting collaborative and grant-funded research projects, and improving communication among member organisations.
At the global level, World Physiotherapy has served as the profession's international voice since its establishment in 1951. Through 129 member organisations spread across five regions, it represents more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide.
For Nigeria and the wider African physiotherapy community, the honour serves as recognition not only of an individual's achievements but also of the growing influence of African professionals in rehabilitation science, public health and healthcare education. It is another example of how expertise from the continent continues to shape conversations and progress within the global healthcare landscape
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