Let’s stop discrimination and recognize diversity

Persons with disabilities have the same general healthcare needs as everyone else. They have the right to equal access to quality healthcare services; however, this is not the case in most countries. In many cases, health services may exist but be of very poor quality. Persons with disabilities may face particular barriers in accessing needed healthcare including stigma and discrimination by healthcare staff. Access to information is another key a barrier in the healthcare system, particularly for blind and partially sighted persons. Poverty and social exclusion is often associated with persons living with disabilities, which increases both the likelihood of ill-health, and the likelihood of facing barriers to accessing healthcare.

In this episode, Carine Weiss talks to José Viera about the stigma and social taboos against persons with disabilities, and their impact on healthcare. We talked about multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination putting persons with disability at greater risks of unmet health needs, including stigmatization by healthcare providers. José also tells us about the work of the World Blind Union (WBU), a global organization representing the estimated 253 million persons who are blind or partially sighted worldwide.

Transcript of the Podcast Season on Disability Inclusive Development - Episode 3