“Many people with disabilities die earlier, some die up to 20 years earlier, and more people are at risk – twice the risk – of develop a variety of health conditions compared to the general population,” says Darryl Barrett, WHOTechnical Team Leader for Sensory Functioning, Disability and Rehabilitation, briefs reporters in Geneva.
The Global report on health equitypublished just before International Day of Persons with Disabilitiesdemonstrate that although some progress has been made in recent years, persistent and systemic health inequalities continue, and many people with disabilities face an increased risk of diseases. chronic and higher risk.
“That is an important reason for these early deaths because of the poor quality of health services,” Mr. Barrett noted. “There are also higher rates of diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes, stroke, sexually transmitted infections and cardiovascular problems among people with disabilities.”
Poor medical service
“The health system should reduce the challenges faced by people with disabilities, not increase them,” said WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This report sheds light on the inequalities people with disabilities face when trying to access the care they need.
“WHO is committed to supporting countries with the guidance and tools they need ensure all people with disabilities have access to quality health services.”
WHO says many of the disparities in health outcomes cannot be explained by underlying health status or impairment, but by avoidable and unfair factors such as health interventions. Public health is inaccessible or has too little regard for people with disabilities in the health emergency planning process.
1.3 billion with ‘significant disability’
“This report also includes new global prevalence estimates for severe disability and mortalityhats make up about 16% of the population, or at present-day rates, 1.3 billion people with significant disabilities“, Mr. Barrett noted. “So that equates to about a sixth of us.”
With an estimated 80% of people with disabilities living in low- and middle-income countries where health services are limited, addressing health inequalities can be challenging. However, even with limited resources, much can be achieved, the WHO said.
act
The report recommends 40 actions for governments to take, from addressing physical infrastructure to training health workers.
“For example, the attitudes and competencies of health care workers can be quite negative and have an impact on the health outcomes of people with disabilities,” said Mr. Barrett.
WHO emphasizes the need for urgent action to tackle inequality: “As governments are considering training their health workforce, it is important that they include people with disabilities in their programs. that training and education so that the workforce is confident and competent enough to deal with what needs to be addressed,” emphasized Mr. Barrett.
The report shows that investing in disability-inclusive health is cost-effective. WHO calculates that governments can expect to get around $10 for every dollar invested in the prevention and care of NCDs for people with disabilities.
