The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities. The report, released ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed every 3rd December, provides insights into the systemic health inequities faced by people with disabilities and suggests steps to rectify these issues.
Statistics and Facts about Disabilities
Currently, 1.3 billion people worldwide, or one in six individuals, are living with significant disabilities. Notably, these people are at a higher risk of an early death, sometimes by up to 20 years, than those who do not have disabilities. An alarming 80% of these individuals are residing in low-to-middle-income countries where lack of resources makes it challenging to address health disparities adequately.
Increased Risk due to Disabilities
The report highlights that people with disabilities are twice as likely to suffer from chronic illnesses like asthma, depression, diabetes, obesity, dental disorders, and stroke. The systemic discrepancies in health outcomes for people with disabilities cannot merely be attributed to the underlying health conditions but also to preventable, unfair, and unjust circumstances.
Challenges Faced by Disabled Individuals in Healthcare
The healthcare system often poses substantial barriers to people with disabilities. Hostile attitudes of healthcare providers, inaccessible health information formats, physical barriers, lack of transportation, and financial constraints, all contribute to preventing access to health centers and necessary medical care.
A Call to Action: Recommendations for Health Equity
In response to these concerns, the WHO urges that people with disabilities must participate fully in all aspects of society and that the principles of inclusion, accessibility, and non-discrimination should be applied to the medical field. Health equity for persons with disabilities can advance global health priorities in three crucial ways:
* It is essential for achieving universal health coverage.
* Inclusive public health interventions can contribute to healthier populations.
* Advancing health equity is central to protecting everyone in health emergencies.
Governments, health partners, and civil society are urged to ensure all health sector actions are inclusive of persons with disabilities, enabling them to enjoy their right to the highest standard of health.
Initiatives to Empower the Disabled
Several initiatives have been launched at both national and global levels to empower people with disabilities. In India, these include the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, Unique Disability Identification Portal, Accessible India Campaign, DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances, and National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities.
At an international level, initiatives like the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disability, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and UN Principles for People with Disabilities aim to reinforce rights and improve living conditions for disabled individuals.
Understanding the Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities
In India, the law provides several benefits to persons with disabilities such as free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools, preferential allotment of land for setting up businesses, and mandatory ramps in public buildings. A comprehensive understanding of such laws can help in ensuring effective mechanisms for the empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in society.
