By Chioma Obinna

A Nigerian physiotherapist and renowned academic based in South Africa, Professor Ushotanefe Useh, has won the prestigious 2026 World Physiotherapy Africa Region Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to physiotherapy education, research, public health and professional development across the continent.
The award was presented during the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Conference held from June 5 to 6, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda.
Useh was nominated by the South African Society of Physiotherapy and later endorsed by the Africa Region Awards Committee following what organisers described as a rigorous review of his professional achievements and impact on healthcare delivery in Africa.
The recommendation was subsequently approved by the Africa Region Executive Committee.
In an official letter announcing the honour, Birgit Mueller-Winkler, Regional Administrator and World Physiotherapy Membership Manager, congratulated Prof Useh on behalf of the regional leadership.
“On behalf of the Africa Region Executive Committee, I would like to express our heartfelt congratulations on your achievements,” the letter stated.
The World Physiotherapy Africa Region Award is regarded as one of the highest honours within the physiotherapy profession on the continent, recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions to healthcare advancement, rehabilitation science, education and research.
Reacting to the development, colleagues and professional bodies described Prof Useh as one of Africa’s foremost physiotherapy scholars whose work has shaped clinical practice, academic research, public health and mentorship across generations.
In a congratulatory message posted on its official Facebook page, the South African Society of Physiotherapy praised Prof Useh for his “outstanding contribution to physiotherapy, higher education, research and public health across Africa.”
The society noted that over a career spanning more than four decades, Prof Useh has distinguished himself as a clinician, educator, researcher, mentor and professional leader committed to advancing rehabilitation science and healthcare delivery.
“Over a career spanning more than four decades, Prof Useh has served as a clinician, educator, researcher, mentor and leader, helping shape the profession through his commitment to excellence, knowledge generation and the development of future healthcare professionals,” the statement read.
“Today, we celebrate not only this well-deserved recognition, but also the lasting impact of a career dedicated to advancing physiotherapy and improving lives across our continent.”
They said the recognition underscores the growing global relevance of African physiotherapists in strengthening healthcare systems through rehabilitation services, policy advocacy, education and collaborative research.
The World Physiotherapy Africa Region comprises 27 member countries and focuses on strengthening physiotherapy services, professional collaboration, research and education across Africa.
Founded in 1951, World Physiotherapy is the global voice of the profession and represents over 600,000 physiotherapists through 129 member organisations worldwide.
For Nigeria and the broader African healthcare community, Prof Useh’s recognition is being celebrated as a major milestone that reinforces the critical role of physiotherapy in modern healthcare and highlights Africa’s growing contribution to global rehabilitation science.