National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy 2025–2033

A shared vision for healthcare, self-determination and participation 

The National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy aims to improve the quality of life, self-determination, and participation in society of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland. It was developed through a broad participatory process – with the active involvement of people with SCI, professionals, institutions, and authorities. The Strategy is grounded in scientific evidence that identifies key gaps in care and highlights everyday challenges faced by people with SCI.

Our vision

People with spinal cord injury live in Switzerland with self-determination and the best possible health – with equal access to high-quality medical care, lifelong support, and full participation in society.

Why a National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy?

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results from damage to the spinal cord. It affects mobility, bodily functions, and independence – and fundamentally changes the lives of the people concerned and those around them. In Switzerland, over 8,000 people live with SCI, and around 240 new cases occur each year.

The challenges that people with SCI face go far beyond medical care. They are systemic: care is often fragmented, access to services is not equal, and participation in society is restricted.

Switzerland has a well-established healthcare system. However, important gaps remain, especially in lifelong support, psychosocial care, and inclusion. The strategy addresses these gaps by strengthening existing structures and initiating targeted improvements.

It provides a clear framework for cooperation between the health and social systems, politics, science, and civil society. It also supports the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the WHO initiative on strengthening rehabilitation.

Key contents of the Strategy

The National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy addresses all stages of life – from prevention and acute care to rehabilitation, long-term support, and social participation.

It includes 32 measures in nine action areas, addressing key topics such as healthcare, psychosocial support, participation in the labour market, mobility, and relieving the burden on informal caregivers.

The measures were developed based on scientific evidence and practical experience. They aim to close existing gaps, strengthen successful approaches, and create sustainable improvements in the daily lives of people with SCI. Examples include telehealth solutions to improve access to care in remote areas, support for part-time employment, and initiatives to enhance mobility and accessibility.

An overview of the nine action areas can be found in both the short and complete versions of the Strategy. The complete version includes the full list of measures. The short version is available in English, while the complete version is available in French and German.

What comes next: implementation and next steps

The implementation of the National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy will be phased: two new measures will be launched each year – based on clear priorities and realistic goals.

To support this process, a structured governance model with three key bodies has been established:

• Executive Committee: The highest decision-making body. It sets strategic priorities and ensures political anchoring.
• Coordination Office: Responsible for coordinating the operational implementation. It facilitates collaboration among all actors involved.
• Implementation Support Group: An interdisciplinary group of experts, including people with SCI. The group advises on the feasibility, practicality and sustainability of projects, and helps select indicators to measure progress.

These three levels of governance were established to guarantee political commitment, effective coordination, and the practical feasibility of the Strategy’s measures. In addition, a dedicated working group is formed for each measure that is implemented. These groups bring together relevant professionals, organizations, and people with SCI.

Current status (September 2025)

• The Strategy was presented on 8 September 2025
• The Executive Committee and the Coordination Office have been established

Next Steps (Autumn 2025 to mid-2026)

• Recruitment of the Implementation Support Group is underway
• In autumn 2025, the Coordination Office will prepare a shortlist of potential measures for implementation, based on feasibility, potential impact, and political relevance
• By end of 2025, the Executive Committee will select two starting measures
• From mid-2026, thematic working groups will start implementing the selected measures
• Progress will be communicated regularly – via the website, reports, and events

Who is behind the Strategy?

Trägerorganisationen:

• Swiss Association of SCI Centres (REHAB Basel, University Clinic Balgrist Zurich, CRR Sion, SPC Nottwil)
• Swiss Paraplegic Foundation
• Swiss Paraplegic Association
• Swiss Paraplegic Research

Offiziell begleitet durch:

• Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Public Health (GDK/CDS)
• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)

With contributions from many other organizations:

• Health and care sector: DLV (Swiss Association of Speech Therapists), EVS (Swiss Occupational Therapy Association), FSP (Swiss Federation of Psychologists), Physioswiss, Reha Schweiz, SW!SS REHA, FMH (Swiss Medical Association), SBK-ASI (Swiss Nurses Association), SVDE (Swiss Dietitians Association), SAGES (Swiss Association of Social Work in Healthcare)
• Disability advocacy groups: Inclusion Handicap, Swiss Paraplegic Association, Wheelchair clubs
• Healthcare providers, insurers, and umbrella organizations: H+, santésuisse, prio.swiss, ARTISET, INSOS, ANQ
• Organizations providing home-based care: Spitex Schweiz, ParaHelp

Download the National SCI Strategy 

Contact

Claudia Zanini
Coordinator National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy
Email: nationale.strategie@paraplegie.ch