International Medical Corps is marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, as part of the worldwide effort to promote a better understanding of disability issues and the inclusion of those with disabilities in every aspect of their communities.
According to the U.N., people with disabilities, including physical, mental and sensory impairments, account for roughly 10 percent of the world’s population and 20 percent of those living in poverty in developing countries. They often suffer high rates of unemployment and lack access to adequate education and healthcare, making the impact of living with a disability that much greater.
True to our mission, International Medical Corps provides critical health care services to vulnerable populations worldwide. It is often through our clinics and mental health programs, operating amid – as well as in the aftermath of – conflict and natural disaster, that people with disabilities first receive care. And they continue to receive care every day over the long-term from our teams of doctors, nurses and community health workers.
In addition to physical disabilities, International Medical Corps also prioritizes mental well-being. For much of the world, primary health care, let alone health care, is a luxury. But without it, so many with mental disabilities go undiagnosed and misunderstood, which often leads to painful stigma and isolation. That is why International Medical Corps provides direct mental health care to people in need, and also trains families and communities about mental disabilities so that they are better understood and more widely accepted.
Please join International Medical Corps in recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities by sharing this page on Facebook or sending out the following Tweet: Today is International Day of Persons w/Disabilities – take time to understand issues affecting those w/disabilities & promote their rights