The analysis showed that the disabled are more likely to be exposed to early death and risk of disease than the non-disabled due to the lack of medical services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on International Disabled People's Day (December 3), saying that people with disabilities are at risk of dying up to 20 years earlier than non-disabled people due to health inequality. According to the report, the risk of asthma, depression, diabetes, obesity, oral disease and stroke in people with disabilities is up to twice as high as that of non-disabled people.
The WHO pointed out that these differences in health outcomes are not due to underlying health conditions or disorders, but to unfair and unfair factors. The negative attitudes of medical service providers, difficult forms of health information, and difficulties in accessing medical services due to physical and financial barriers or lack of transportation are the causes of the health gap.
"The health system should alleviate and not increase the problems faced by disabled people," WHO Director-General Tewardros Adhanom Gervreyesus said. This report sheds light on the inequality faced by disabled people when they seek the necessary treatment. The WHO promises to support the necessary guidelines and tools to ensure that all disabled people have access to quality medical care.
According to the report, the number of people with severe disabilities around the world has increased more than before, and now there are 1.3 billion, about one in six people. In addition, about 80% of people with disabilities live in low- and middle-income countries with limited health care. Because of this, it is more difficult to solve health inequality.
To solve these problems, the WHO proposed 40 measures in the health sector that the government should take, including professional education for medical staff and improved access to facilities.
The WHO stressed the need to address health inequality, saying that promoting health equity for the disabled is a key factor in efforts to protect people in health emergencies.
"It is in everyone's interest to address health inequalities for people with disabilities," said Bente Mickelson, WHO director of non-infectious diseases. "The elderly, people with non-infectious diseases, immigrants or refugees can benefit from an approach aimed at inclusion in the healthcare sector." "We urge governments, health partners and civil society to ensure that all health sector activities enjoy the highest level of health rights, including those with disabilities," he added.
Writer: Yeyoung Jeon
(Picture from Unsplash)