Health Equity
About this project.
We are working with Humanity & Inclusion to learn about health equity for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.
This is a joint project by the Down Syndrome International network.
Why we are doing this project.
People with disabilities around the world have worse health outcomes than other people. This is not fair.
We want better health outcomes for everyone.
This project contributes to our work on the issue of inclusive health.
What we already know.
The World Health Organization wrote a global report on health equity for people with disabilities.
The report explains what causes bad health outcomes and what can be done to improve health outcomes.
What we are doing.
- Raising awareness around the world on the right to health equity.
- Gathering evidence about the health equity of people with Down syndrome around the world.
- Advocating for changes in policy and legislation to promote health equity.
What our Ambassadors think about health equity.
Our Ambassadors have recorded video messages to explain what health equity means to them.
You can watch these videos on YouTube here:
The 13th World Down Syndrome Day Conference.
This project was launched at the 13th World Down Syndrome Day Conference at the United Nations in New York.
Self-advocates from around the world spoke up about their experience of health equity.
Supporters, government and UN officials and NGO representatives also shared knowledge, experience, and good practice.
Watch this recording of the launch event:
Thank you!
We would like to thank our Network members for their support in running and promoting this campaign.
Special thanks to the National Down Syndrome Society and the Down’s Syndrome Association for their support.
Thanks also to Humanity and Inclusion and the World Health Organisation.
The approaches we use in this project:
Developing and sharing evidence – we are gathering evidence via a global survey and focus groups in different countries around the world.
Empowering people to speak up – people with Down syndrome, family members and professionals have taken part in the consultation.
Supporting organisations – we are supporting member organisations to understand health equity and to run focus groups.
Building and leading partnerships – we are working closely with Humanity and Inclusion on this project.
Coordinating advocacy – our member organisations will use the report to advocate for health equity in their countries.