Crandi

Bridging The Gap Who Europe Highlights Proven Practices For Disability

Leo Migdal
-
bridging the gap who europe highlights proven practices for disability

A new WHO/Europe resource launched on this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) highlights concrete real-world examples of how countries across the European Region are working to close persistent health gaps... The report, “Good practices on disability-inclusive health”, showcases diverse approaches, from national legislative reforms to local service innovations, that show how health systems can embed disability inclusion into everyday care provision and public health... Despite important progress in many countries, people with disabilities continue to face stark and preventable inequities, including dying on average up to 20 years earlier than people without disabilities. The new resource shows how governments, health providers and organizations of persons with disabilities are working together to change this reality. “Across all case studies, the message is clear: disability inclusive health cannot be treated as a segregated project,” said Shirin Kiani, WHO/Europe’s Technical Officer for Disability, Assistive Technology, Rehabilitation, and Ear and Eye Care. “When countries take a health systems approach – backed by sustained financing and clear governance structures in partnership with organizations of people with disabilities – improvements are durable and transformative.”

The report draws on case studies from across the WHO European Region, including: On this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), WHO/Europe launched a new resource showcasing real-world strategies to advance disability-inclusive health across the Region. The report, “Good practices on disability-inclusive health”, highlights how countries are working to close persistent health gaps affecting over 135 million people with disabilities in Europe and Central Asia. Despite progress in many countries, people with disabilities still face stark inequities, including dying up to 20 years earlier than those without disabilities. The resource demonstrates how governments, health providers, and organizations of persons with disabilities are collaborating to change this reality. “Across all case studies, the message is clear: disability-inclusive health cannot be treated as a segregated project,” said Shirin Kiani, WHO/Europe’s Technical Officer for Disability, Assistive Technology, Rehabilitation, and Ear and Eye Care.

“When countries take a health systems approach – backed by sustained financing and clear governance structures in partnership with organizations of people with disabilities – improvements are durable and transformative.” The report highlights a range of innovative practices making a tangible difference, including real-time sign language interpretation services in Azerbaijan, tailored breast cancer outreach for women with intellectual disabilities in Ireland, inclusive sports and... These initiatives align with the principles of The WHO European Framework for Action to Achieve the Highest Attainable Standard of Health for Persons with Disabilities, endorsed by all 53 Member States. At their core, the framework emphasizes rights-based approaches, coproduction with organizations of persons with disabilities, and integration across health, social protection, education, and community services. The report also offers key recommendations for Member States, such as embedding disability inclusion into mainstream health systems, institutionalizing shared governance with organizations of persons with disabilities, investing in workforce competencies, strengthening disability-disaggregated data,... The WHO’s Disability Health Equity initiative was unveiled on 10 June 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on...

Its aim: closing the avoidable health gaps between persons with disabilities and the broader population. This will be achieved by guiding governments, health institutions, and communities in addressing barriers to care, promoting inclusive policies, and strengthening data and research on disability and health. The Initiative is built around four strategic pillars: Additionally, it will operate with 4 key strategies of engagement: These strategies of engagement will directly support Member States and other stakeholders in the achievement of the mission. Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development: “Through Bridging the Gap, the European Union is not only promoting the rights and the potential of people with disabilities, but building a better world...

In the context of the European Disability and Development Week (EDDW), the European project Bridging the Gap-Inclusive policies and services for equal rights of persons with disabilities, was launched on December 5th in Brussels... “A society which empowers, promotes and protects Human Rights and does not leave no one behind – Commissioner Mimica claimed – is a stronger, more stable, more successful society for all”. (pg.1) Click here to access the accessible version of the report

People Also Search

A New WHO/Europe Resource Launched On This Year’s International Day

A new WHO/Europe resource launched on this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) highlights concrete real-world examples of how countries across the European Region are working to close persistent health gaps... The report, “Good practices on disability-inclusive health”, showcases diverse approaches, from national legislative reforms to local service innovations, that...

The Report Draws On Case Studies From Across The WHO

The report draws on case studies from across the WHO European Region, including: On this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), WHO/Europe launched a new resource showcasing real-world strategies to advance disability-inclusive health across the Region. The report, “Good practices on disability-inclusive health”, highlights how countries are working to close persistent...

“When Countries Take A Health Systems Approach – Backed By

“When countries take a health systems approach – backed by sustained financing and clear governance structures in partnership with organizations of people with disabilities – improvements are durable and transformative.” The report highlights a range of innovative practices making a tangible difference, including real-time sign language interpretation services in Azerbaijan, tailored breast cancer...

Its Aim: Closing The Avoidable Health Gaps Between Persons With

Its aim: closing the avoidable health gaps between persons with disabilities and the broader population. This will be achieved by guiding governments, health institutions, and communities in addressing barriers to care, promoting inclusive policies, and strengthening data and research on disability and health. The Initiative is built around four strategic pillars: Additionally, it will operate wit...

In The Context Of The European Disability And Development Week

In the context of the European Disability and Development Week (EDDW), the European project Bridging the Gap-Inclusive policies and services for equal rights of persons with disabilities, was launched on December 5th in Brussels... “A society which empowers, promotes and protects Human Rights and does not leave no one behind – Commissioner Mimica claimed – is a stronger, more stable, more successf...