A new World Health Organization report presents evidence that people with disabilities are at higher risk of premature death and illness compared to the rest of society.
The World Report on Health Equity for People with Disabilities, released today, shows that systemic and persistent health inequities mean that many people with disabilities face the risk of dying much earlier than their non-disabled counterparts, up to 20 years earlier.
They are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases and up to twice the risk of asthma, depression, diabetes, obesity, oral disease and stroke. Many of the health disparities cannot be explained by underlying health conditions or disabilities, but by avoidable, inequitable and unjust factors.
The report, released ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, shows that the number of people with severe disabilities worldwide has increased to 1.3 billion (1 in 6). This figure highlights the importance of ensuring the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society and embedding the principles of inclusion, accessibility and non-discrimination in the health sector.
Inequality drivers: key causes of health disparities
The report highlights that urgent action is needed to address large health inequalities caused by unfair and inequitable factors within the health system. These factors explain many of the differences in health outcomes between people with and without disabilities and can take the form of:
These include negative attitudes of health care providers, health information in an incomprehensible format, physical environment, lack of transportation, and difficulties in accessing health centers due to financial barriers.
“Health systems should be reducing the challenges faced by people with disabilities, not adding to them,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This report highlights the inequities people with disabilities face in accessing the care they need. WHO is committed to equipping countries with the guidance and tools they need to ensure that all people with disabilities have access to quality health services.”
It is estimated that around 80% of people with disabilities live in low- and middle-income countries where health services are limited, so eliminating health disparities can be challenging. But even with limited resources, a lot can be accomplished.
Opportunities for disability-inclusive healthcare
The report provides critical economic analysis of adopting a disability-inclusive approach, recognising that everyone has an equal right to the highest attainable standard of health. It shows that investing in disability-inclusive health is cost-effective.
The WHO calculates that for every dollar invested in disability-inclusive noncommunicable disease prevention and care, governments can expect a return of about $10. Furthermore, family planning and immunization are cost-effective when delivered in a disability-inclusive way.
Targeted and comprehensive action across the health sector
Based on the latest evidence from academic research and consultations with countries and civil society, including organizations representing people with disabilities, the report outlines 40 actions that governments should take across the health sector. These actions vary depending on resource levels and range from improving physical infrastructure to training health and care workers.
Ensuring health equity for people with disabilities can have broader benefits and advance global health priorities in three ways:
Health equity for all is essential to achieving universal health coverage. Comprehensive public health interventions, delivered equitably across sectors, contribute to healthier people. And promoting health equity for people with disabilities is a central element of any effort to protect everyone in health emergencies.
“Tackling health disparities among people with disabilities benefits everyone,” said Dr Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases. “Older people, people with noncommunicable diseases, migrants and refugees, and other people who are often underserved can benefit from approaches that target persistent challenges to disability inclusion in the health sector.”
She added: “We call on governments, health partners and civil society to ensure that all activities in the health sector are disability-inclusive, so that people with disabilities can enjoy their right to the highest standard of health.”
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Notes to editors
To watch the launch event on Friday, December 2nd, from 14:00 to 15:30 (CET/Geneva time), register at https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S8sIa08GQS-mbkuwQuGGMA.
Under international human rights law and the domestic laws of many countries, governments have an obligation to address health inequalities to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal right to achieve the highest attainable standard of health.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which has 185 states parties, requires states to provide people with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, with the same range, quality and standard of affordable health care as is provided to other people.
WHO is working with Member States, global partners and the disability and health community, including representative organizations of people with disabilities, to translate the report’s recommendations into national action, including the development of a disability inclusion agenda in health, a national strategic planning tool to support countries in making the changes needed to achieve health equity for people with disabilities.