New Delhi (NVI): About 15 per cent of the global population, which lives with some form of disability, runs a higher risk of contracting coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
”An estimated one billion people and roughly 15 per cent of the world’s population live with some form of disability,” it said.
”People with disabilities experience an increased risk of contracting coronavirus. Some may have difficulties in implementing basic hygiene measures to keep the virus at bay. Others may not be able to practice social distancing because they require care or other support, ” said Lindsay Lee, WHO’s technical officer.
So far, there have been more than 200,000 cases worldwide, and over 8,000 deaths have taken place due to the pandemic coronavirus outbreak.
Some people with disabilities who contract the virus could develop a severe case of the disease as it can worsen existing health conditions, particularly related to immune response or respiratory function, Lee said.
It is recommended that people with disabilities devise back-up plans in the event their caregivers might be reluctant to come into work.
Above all, governments must ensure societies are accessible to this population, including within health care settings, she said, citing WHO guidance.
Catalina Devandas Aguilar UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities underlined that reasonable accommodation measures are essential during the outbreak to enable people with disabilities to reduce contacts and the risk of contamination.
Furthermore, people with disabilities should be allowed to work from home or be granted paid leave, to guarantee their income security.
“Access to additional financial aid is also vital to reduce the risk of people with disabilities and their families falling into greater vulnerability or poverty,” she added.
Health and Human rights experts stressed that during the current outbreak, authorities must provide public health information that is accessible to people with disabilities, such as using sign language, captioning, text messages and relay services.
