Global Report on Health Equity

News Highlight

• WHO has released a global report on health equity for persons with disabilities ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Key Takeaway

• The WHO Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities is being released globally to increase awareness of the issue and spur action among all stakeholders.

Global report on health equity

• Key findings
  • Many people with disabilities risk passing away sooner than those without disabilities because of systemic and pervasive health disparities.
  • 1.3 billion individuals, or 16% of the world’s population, are considered to be significantly impaired today.
  • The report emphasised the need for quick action to address severe health disparities brought about by unfair and unjust circumstances.
  • They are twice as likely to develop long-term conditions like asthma, depression, diabetes, obesity, dental problems, and stroke.
• Objectives
  • Share the global report’s important takeaways on health equity for people with disabilities, especially with Member States.
  • To achieve effective health system strengthening.
  • Emphasise the significance of incorporating people with disabilities in health sector planning, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Outline ways that nations and partners in the health sector might take action to alleviate enduring health disparities for people with disabilities by sharing personal experiences.
• The fundamental cause of disparities in health
  • Providers of healthcare have negative attitudes.
  • Health information in formats that cannot be understood
  • Access issues caused by the physical surroundings of a health centre
  • Lack of transport or financial barriers.

Opportunities for a disability-inclusive health sector

• Recognising everyone has the same right.
  • Everyone has the same right to the highest attainable standard of health.
  • The report provides an important economic analysis of adopting a disability-inclusive approach.
  • It shows investing in a disability-inclusive health sector is cost-effective.
• Global health priorities
  • To achieve universal health coverage, health fairness for all is essential.
  • Healthy populations can result from inclusive public health initiatives implemented across various sectors.
  • All initiatives to safeguard people in health emergencies must prioritise improving health equity for people with disabilities.

The initiatives for Disabled People’s Empowerment

• India
  • 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
  • National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities
• Global Initiatives
  • Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.
  • United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disability.
  • International Day of Persons with Disabilities
  • UN Principles for People with Disabilities

Pic Courtesy: freepik

Content Source: WHO

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