They are at a two-fold risk of contracting chronic illnesses like asthma, depression, diabetes, obesity, dental disorders and stroke
People with disabilities have a higher risk of early death and illness compared to others, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Many people with disabilities run the risk of premature death — even up to 20 years earlier than others — due to systemic and pervasive health disparities, said the Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities report.
They are at a two-fold risk of contracting chronic illnesses like asthma, depression, diabetes, obesity, dental disorders and stroke, said the report released November 2, 2022.
Also read: The care-giving conundrum: How to look after the disabled
Many of the discrepancies in health outcomes cannot be attributed to underlying health condition but rather to preventable, unfair and unjust circumstances. The report comes a day ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Currently, some 1.3 billion people, or one in six, worldwide suffer from major disabilities. This statistic emphasises how crucial it is to ensure that people with disabilities participate fully and effectively in all facets of society and to instil inclusion, accessibility and non-discrimination in the medical field.
The research emphasises the need for immediate action to address the significant health disparities brought on by unfair and unjust conditions in health systems.
The following are examples of the factors which account for many of the variations in health outcomes:
“Health systems should be alleviating the challenges that people with disabilities face, not adding to them,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
This report shines a light on the inequities that people with disabilities face in trying to access the care they need. WHO is committed to supporting countries with the guidance and tools they need to ensure all people with disabilities have access to quality health services, Ghebreyesus added.
Addressing health inequities may be difficult as an estimated 80 per cent of people with disabilities reside in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources.
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The report recommends 40 steps for governments to implement in the health sector. It has relied on the most recent data from academic studies and discussions with countries and civil society groups, including groups that advocate for people with disabilities.
Addressing health inequities for persons with disabilities benefits everyone, said Dr Bente Mikkelsen, WHO director for Noncommunicable Diseases.
Older persons, people with noncommunicable diseases, migrants and refugees, or other frequently unreached populations can benefit from approaches that target the persistent challenges to disability inclusion in the health sector, Mikkelsen added.
“We urge governments, health partners and civil society to ensure all health sector actions are inclusive of persons with disabilities so that they can enjoy their right to the highest standard of health,” she added.
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Currently, some 1.3 billion people, or one in six, worldwide suffer from major disabilities. Photo: iStock..png)
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