Disability
Disability exclusion deepens global health inequities.
Over 1.3 billion people live with significant disability. They face systemic barriers across health, education, and social life—leading to earlier deaths, preventable disease, and poorer well-being. Inclusive health systems are key to achieving universal health coverage.
Insights
Political: Global frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the World Health Assembly Resolution WHA74.8, require equal health access. However, progress remains limited without inclusive and accountable governance.
Economic: Disability-inclusive non-communicable diseases prevention and care could yield nearly $10 (USD) for every $1 invested. Failure to address health inequities perpetuates costly social exclusion.
Social: Stigma, gender-based violence, and exclusion from education and employment disproportionately harm persons with disabilities—especially women and caregivers.
Technological: Digital health tools offer promise, but often remain inaccessible. Health information systems frequently omit disability-disaggregated data, masking gaps.
Legal: Harmful practices—such as forced treatment or institutionalization—persist under weak legal protections. Inclusive laws must be backed by accountability mechanisms.
Environmental: Climate crises and pandemics increase disability risks and worsen access to care. Health systems must integrate inclusive emergency preparedness and response.
Reflective Questions
How might we reimagine health systems to be co-designed with, not just for, persons with disabilities?
What innovations can ensure disability data informs every level of health planning and delivery?
How can we build resilience that addresses the root drivers of disability-related health inequity?
Related Insight Cards
References:
World Health Organization, 2023. Disability and health. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health
