The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring health equity for persons with disabilities, issuing a strong call to action on this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
The organization emphasized that disability inclusion in health systems is crucial to achieving the highest attainable standard of health for all.
“WHO works closely with ministries of health and relevant stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, to fully integrate and promote disability inclusion in the health sector,” the WHO statement read.
This collaboration aims to guarantee that persons with disabilities enjoy equitable access to health services, are included in health emergency responses, and benefit from cross-sectoral public health initiatives, according to WHO.
Building on the findings of its ‘Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities,’ WHO introduced the ‘Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities: Guide for Action’.
The guide offers technical assistance to countries, helping them integrate disability inclusion into their health systems’ governance, planning, and monitoring processes.
WHO underscored the need for collective action to make health systems inclusive.
The guide outlines a continuous, four-phase approach. It begins with preparation, during which health ministries identify and engage key stakeholders.
The next phase involves assessing the level of disability inclusion in all areas of the health system, including governance, infrastructure, and service delivery.
Based on these findings, countries design targeted, disability-inclusive actions, prioritizing areas that need urgent attention. Finally, these actions are implemented and monitored to ensure lasting change.
“This process should be led by ministries of health but involve a wide range of partners,” the statement revealed, highlighting the critical role of organizations representing persons with disabilities, government departments, and health service providers.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, called on all countries to prioritize disability inclusion in their health policies.
“Together, we can ensure that every person, regardless of their ability, can access the health care they need and deserve,” he said.
WHO’s renewed focus on disability inclusion aligns with broader global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the 2022 WHO’s ‘Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities’, approximately 1.3 billion people globally, 16% of the world’s population, experience significant disability.
These individuals face disproportionate challenges in accessing healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes.
The report highlights that people with disabilities are more likely to die prematurely, experience higher rates of comorbidities, and encounter significant barriers to healthcare access.
The report highlighted that addressing these inequities requires comprehensive action across all levels of health systems.
