Kenya National Council for Persons with Disabilities Executive Director Dr Michael Munene Challenges Inclusive

• At least 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability, representing the world's largest minority group.
• Persons with disabilities remain among the least likely to access equitable health services, including sexual and reproductive health care.
• The World Health Organization identifies stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion, and barriers within health systems as major drivers of health inequities experienced by persons with disabilities.

An inclusive health system should intentionally reach people who have historically been excluded, rather than solely serving those who already have easy access to services.

The exclusion of persons with disabilities from decision-making spaces and health services is a global issue, affecting over 1.3 billion people worldwide. In Africa, an estimated 80 million people live with a disability, representing 10-15% of the population. This disparity is not due to disability itself but rather barriers embedded within societies and health systems, such as inaccessible facilities, inadequate information formats, discrimination, and communication difficulties. The consequences of exclusion can be life-changing, sometimes even life-shortening. Dr. Michael Munene, Chief Executive Officer of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, emphasizes that an inclusive health system should intentionally reach people who have historically been excluded, rather than solely serving those who already have easy access to services.

Despite representing the world's largest minority group, persons with disabilities remain among the least likely to access equitable health services. This is not limited to specific regions or countries; it is a global issue that requires attention and action. The World Health Organization highlights stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion, and barriers within health systems as major drivers of health inequities experienced by persons with disabilities. Joseph Etyang, a deaf disability rights advocate and Board Director at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, underscores the importance of equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities, going beyond physical accessibility to ensure inclusive service delivery.

Advocates like Dr. Sarah Musau, Executive Director of the Gifted Community Center, challenge organizations to look beyond representation and examine whether persons with disabilities are intentionally included in their workplaces, programs, and decision-making spaces. Dr. Munene emphasizes that nothing about us without us should be a guiding principle in health policy, program design, implementation, and accountability. This requires a shift from rhetoric to standard practice, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of healthcare delivery.

Lawyers advising clients on sexual and reproductive health services should be aware of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities' call to intentionally include persons with disabilities in decision-making spaces, programming, and policy-making, to ensure equitable access to healthcare.

Source: Original reporting via Briefly