International Day of Persons with Disabilities

3 December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). On this Day WHO joined partners to celebrate "a day for all". This theme reflects a growing understanding that disability is part of the human condition. Almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired at some point in life. Despite this, few countries have adequate mechanisms in place to respond fully to the needs of people with disabilities.

WHO estimates that more than one billion people - about 15% of the world's population - experience some form of disability. This figure is predicted to rise given population ageing and an increase in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. While disability correlates with disadvantage, not all people with disabilities are equally disadvantaged. Much depends on the context in which they live, and whether or not they have equal access to health, education and employment, among others.

In 2017 WHO has made headway on a number of initiatives which further implementation of the recommendations of the landmark World report on disability and the WHO global disability action plan 2014-2021. In February through a global gathering of rehabilitation experts entitled "Rehabilitation 2030", WHO garnered the commitment of participants to help governments build comprehensive service delivery models, develop a strong multidisciplinary workforce, expand financing mechanisms and enhance health information systems, all in an attempt to meet the ever-increasing demand for rehabilitation services.