An estimated 1.3 billion people – or 16% of global population worldwide – experience a significant disability today. Persons with disabilities have the right to the highest attainable standard of health as those without disabilities. However, this report demonstrates that while some progress has been made in recent years, the world is still far from realising this right for many persons with disabilities who continue to die earlier, have poorer health, and experience more limitations in everyday functioning than others. These poor health outcomes are due to unfair conditions faced by persons with disabilities in all facets of life, including in the health system itself. Countries have an obligation under international human rights law to address the health inequities faced by persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals and global health priorities will not progress without ensuring health for all.

The Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities:

• brings health equity for persons with disabilities to the attention of decision-makers in the health sector;
• documents the evidence on health inequities faced by persons with disabilities, and the contributing factors; and,
• makes evidence-based recommendations for country-level actions to address these gaps.