About the Asian Spinal Cord Network

The Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) is a regional professional network dedicated to improving spinal cord injury (SCI) care across Asia through collaboration, education, research, and advocacy.

Our Mission

To strengthen spinal cord injury services across Asia through regional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and high-quality professional education.

Our Vision

A continent where every person living with spinal cord injury has access to high-quality, evidence-based rehabilitation, long-term care, and opportunities for meaningful community reintegration.

Background

ASCoN was established in 2001 through the collaboration of leading spinal cord injury centres and professionals across Asia, in response to significant regional disparities in SCI care and rehabilitation services.

The network is co-ordinated by the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Bangladesh, and operates in affiliation with the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS).

Founding of ASCoN at CRP Bangladesh, 2001

Founded in 2001 — CRP, Bangladesh

  • ASCoN was formed by a group of orthopaedists and rehabilitation physicians from across Asia.
  • Founding contributors included clinicians from Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
  • The initiative emerged during the International Conference on Spinal Cord Lesion Management.
  • The meeting was hosted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP).

This founding meeting marked the beginning of a sustained regional collaboration, laying the groundwork for ASCoN’s role in education, research, service development, and advocacy for spinal cord injury care across Asia.

Strategic Priorities

Training and Service Development

Strengthening clinical capacity and multidisciplinary practice across the region.

Educational Resources

Developing accessible, context-appropriate materials for healthcare professionals.

Networking & Knowledge Exchange

Facilitating collaboration and sharing best practice across institutions.

Research & Data Collaboration

Supporting shared data and evidence-based improvements in SCI care.

Policy & Advocacy

Advocating for improved recognition and resourcing of SCI services.