International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On this Day WHO joined partners to celebrate “a day for all”. This theme reflects a growing understanding that disability is part of the human condition. Almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired at some point in life. Despite this, few countries have adequate mechanisms in place to respond fully to the needs of people with disabilities.

WHO estimates that more than one billion people – about 15% of the world’s population – experience some form of disability. This figure is predicted to rise given population ageing and an increase in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases.

While disability correlates with disadvantage, not all people with disabilities are equally disadvantaged. Much depends on the context in which they live, and whether or not they have equal access to health, education and employment, among others.

Visit the UN website to find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved.