International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2019
International Day of People with Disabilities is celebrated internationally on 3 December each year. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. it was announced officially in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
Theme for 2019
”Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda”
This year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as anticipated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to ‘leave no one behind’ and recognizes disability as a cross-cutting issues, to be considered in the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Disability is referenced in various parts of the SDGs and specifically in parts related to education, growth and employment, inequality, accessibility of human settlements, as well as data collection and monitoring of the SDGs.
More information: United Nations
Disability and Health
Key facts
- Over a billion people, about 15% of the world’s population, have some form of disability.
- Between 110 million and 190 million adults have significant difficulties in functioning.
- Rates of disability are increasing due to population ageing and increases in chronic health conditions, among other causes.
- People with disability have less access to health care services and therefore experience unmet health care needs.
Barriers to health care
- Prohibitive costs
- Limited availability of services
- Physical barriers
- Inadequate skills and knowledge of health workers
READ MORE: WHO
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2019
16th National Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) Day
