Despite progress, people with disabilities continue to face serious and entirely preventable inequalities. WHO presents new report on promoting inclusive health Healthcare
On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated annually on 3 December, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe released a report highlighting practices proven to promote inclusive health care. The report provides examples of how countries in Europe and Central Asia are working to reduce the health gaps faced by more than 135 million people with disabilities.
The report presents a variety of approaches to solving the problem – from legislative reforms at the national level to local innovations in the service sector. These examples show how health systems can integrate principles of inclusion into everyday practices and public health programs.
Despite progress, people with disabilities continue to face serious but entirely preventable inequalities, including a 20-year reduction in life expectancy compared to people without disabilities. The report says governments, health care providers and disability organizations are joining forces to make a difference.
“All of these examples have a common message: inclusive health cannot be seen as a stand-alone project,” said Shireen Kiyani, technical officer at WHO Europe. “When countries take a systems approach, supported by sustainable funding and clear governance structures in partnership with disability organizations, change is systemic and lasting.”
The report includes examples from across the region: simultaneous sign language interpretation services in Azerbaijan that enable meaningful communication between deaf people and health care workers; specialized early detection programs for breast cancer for women with intellectual disabilities in Ireland; inclusive sports and physical education initiatives in Turkmenistan that promote health and social inclusion; and Iceland’s disability-inclusive emergency preparedness system.
All of these practices are in line with the strategic principles of the WHO European Framework of Action for Persons with Disabilities, endorsed by the region’s 53 Member States. It is based on human rights, coordination with organizations of people with disabilities, and the integration of efforts in the areas of health, social protection, education and public services.
The report concludes by emphasizing that raising awareness of existing problems is not enough. Infrastructural improvements will not produce sustainable results without reliable data systems and improved accessibility standards. Investments in structural reforms—such as training specialists and developing care pathways—can create long-term systemic change.