WHO South-East Asia Region Advocates for Disability Inclusion on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
WHO South-East Asia Region Advocates for Disability Inclusion
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region is calling for increased leadership from persons with disabilities to create an inclusive and sustainable future. Saima Wazed, WHO's Regional Director, emphasized the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in all sectors, especially healthcare and during humanitarian crises.
Challenges and Statistics
Globally, over 1.3 billion people live with disabilities, with 16% of the South-East Asia Region's population affected. These individuals face significant discrimination in healthcare, being three times more likely to be denied care and four times more likely to be mistreated. In low-income countries, over half cannot afford essential healthcare.
WHO's Commitment to Inclusion
Wazed highlighted the need for disability inclusion in all WHO activities, aligning with the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. WHO's reasonable accommodation policy supports employees with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in the organization.
Initiatives and Tools
WHO South-East Asia has launched initiatives like the SEARO CARE program to support staff with disabilities. The region's ROADMAP for equity and inclusion integrates disability inclusion into emergency settings. WHO also introduced the "Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities: A Guide for Action" to help countries integrate disability-inclusive actions into health systems.
Global Report and Future Goals
The Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities outlines principles for achieving health equity. Wazed urged countries to adopt these guidelines, emphasizing the need for cross-sector engagement and monitoring to ensure genuine health equity.
As the region celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Wazed reaffirmed WHO's commitment to addressing health inequities and promoting leadership for an inclusive future.
Doubts Revealed
WHO
WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a special agency of the United Nations that works to improve health and well-being around the world.
South-East Asia Region
The South-East Asia Region is one of the six regions of the World Health Organization. It includes countries like India, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
This is a special day celebrated on December 3rd every year to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
Saima Wazed
Saima Wazed is a mental health expert and advocate for people with disabilities. She is known for her work in promoting disability rights.
Disability Inclusion
Disability inclusion means making sure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities and access to services as everyone else.
Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation refers to changes or adjustments made to help people with disabilities participate fully in activities, like providing ramps for wheelchair access.
SEARO CARE
SEARO CARE is an initiative by the WHO South-East Asia Region to support and improve healthcare for people with disabilities.
Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities
This is a guide created to help ensure that people with disabilities receive fair and equal healthcare services.
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