Thread by @WHO

It's International Day of Persons with Disabilities

#Disability is part of the human experience.
Over 1B people, ~15% of the 🌍's population, live with a disability. Almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired at some point in life.

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#Disability disproportionately affects vulnerable populations:
Lower-income countries have a higher prevalence of disability than higher-income countries. Disability is more common among women, older people and children and adults who are poor.

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Half of people with #disability cannot afford health care, compared to a third of people without disability. They are often denied chances to work, attend school & participate fully in society - which creates barriers for their prosperity & well-being.

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People with #disability have been amongst the most vulnerable populations during the current #COVID19 outbreak due to many health, social and environmental barriers, discriminatory attitudes and inaccessible infrastructure.

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Support people with #disability by taking the risk of #coronavirus seriously. Even if you may not be at high risk of serious symptoms, you may pass the virus on to someone that is. Always follow the WHO basic protection measures during #COVID19:

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During #COVID19 governments should ensure that people with #disability:
✅ are not left behind in the response
✅ still have the right to access the healthcare they need on an equal basis with others

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#Disability service providers should:
•Develop & implement service continuity plans incl. for ↘️ workforce
•Communicate frequently with people with disability & their support networks
•↘️ potential exposure to #COVID19
•Provide sufficient support for people with complex needs

All #HealthWorkers, including those providing support to people with disability should follow the WHO guidance to 👩‍⚕️ 👨‍⚕️ during the #COVID19 outbreak.

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The #COVID19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to build back better our health systems so that they are more inclusive and responsive to the needs and human rights of people experiencing #disability in all their diversity.

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It's the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today & every day, let's ensure that people living with a #disability can live their lives to the fullest, without encountering discrimination or barriers to healthcare.

This is a day for all.

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