A recent World Health Organization report revealed that people with disabilities may die up to 20 years earlier than other groups.

“The United Nations reported that disabled people die up to 20 years earlier, and are twice as likely to develop a range of health problems as the general population, said Darryl Barrett, WHO’s Technical Lead for Sensory Functions, Disability and Rehabilitation.

Even with recent improvements, health inequities persist, and chronic conditions are more common among people with disabilities. The Global Report on Health Equity, released just before the International Day for People with Disabilities, supports this claim.

“Many differences in health outcomes are not a result of underlying health conditions, but by unfair, unjust, or avoidable factors,” said the World Health Organization.

“As well as tuberculosis, diabetes, strokes, STIs, and cardiovascular disease, people with disabilities also have fewer health benefits,” Barrett told UN.

“The health system should relieve challenges faced by people with disabilities, rather than contributing to them,” stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. 

“This report illuminates the inequities that people with disabilities face when trying to access health care. The UN’s Ghebreyesus says WHO aims to support countries with guidance and tools to ensure every person with disabilities has access to quality health services.

Global prevalence for significant people with disabilities

According to Brett, the new estimates of global prevalence for significant people with disability are also included in this report. Which puts the number at 1.3 billion people, or about 16% of the world’s population.

Since 80% of disabled people reside in low- and middle-income countries with few health resources, addressing health inequities may be challenging. WHO, however, states that many things can accomplished with limited resources.

According to the study, funding a health sector that accepts people with disabilities is financially beneficial. A WHO estimate suggests that governments can expect a $10 return on investment for every dollar spent on noncommunicable disease prevention.

Based on most recent academic studies and discussions with nations and civil society, including organizations that advocate for disabled people. The report recommends 40 steps for governments to take in the health sector.

Depending on the available resources, these initiatives may include improved infrastructure and training for healthcare professionals.