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A side-event to the 16th Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities was organized to discuss the challenges and opportunities to advance health equity for persons with disabilities. This event was co-hosted by the Government of Israel, the Government of Australia, WHO, the International Disability Alliance, and the International Disability and Development Consortium. They were joined by representatives from the National Secretariat for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Brazil), UNFPA, UNICEF, and the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
COSP provided a powerful platform to reaffirm the right to health as a fundamental right that all persons with disabilities are entitled to. Panellists and presenters emphasized that good health is a key driver to achieving disability inclusion in all other sectors, and that achieving universal health coverage goals will not be possible without including persons with disabilities.
The key evidence and recommendations from the WHO Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities were presented and complemented by valuable insights from countries, UN agencies, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities continue to face many challenges preventing them from achieving their highest attainable standard of health. The speakers elaborated on the specific issues and projects to achieve better health for women and children with disabilities, to protect the right to sexual and reproductive health, and to strengthen governance.
“We’re on the right track” and must continue to work collaboratively to build on the momentum generated by the WHO Global report. Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ended the session with key principles to guide our next steps: human rights-based approach, people-centred care, and universalism as the core driver to achieve health for all.
Watch LIVE the event on the UN WebTV:
Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities (COSP16 Side Event) | UN Web TV
Watch the event on YouTube:
Source: WHO