SDGs, Inclusive Health and the path to Universal Health Coverage. Disability and The Global South

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of goals designed to improve
\nthe social, economic and well-being of all, while maintaining global and
\nenvironmental sustainability. Health is one of the 17 goals, and focuses not only on
\naddressing morbidity and mortality, but also on improving access to healthcare
\nservices for all through Universal Health Coverage (UHC). While disability is not
\nspecifically mentioned in this goal, a focus on people with disabilities is important
\ngiven the inclusive nature of the SDGs and the fact that people with disabilities make
\nup the largest minority group in the world. This paper aims to critically consider what
\nthe health goal could mean for people with disabilities and advocates for inclusive
\nhealth. It discusses the complex relationship between disability and health, and why
\npeople with disabilities are more vulnerable to poor health are discussed, and then
\nconsiders factors that impact access to quality healthcare for people with disabilities
\nand how these impact on the achievement of the targets in SDG Health Goal and the
\nmain principles of UHC. The paper argues that developing an inclusive approach to
\nhealthcare will not only improve achieving good health for all, but is also important
\nsince experiencing poor health may reduce quality of life and participation (e.g. in
\neducation, employment or community activities). Poor quality of life and participation
\ncan exacerbate disability, poverty and exclusion in addition to increasing suffering,
\nmorbidity and early mortality. The paper concludes that an inclusive UHC will not
\nonly fulfil the fundamental rights of people with disabilities to health and
\nrehabilitation, as emphasized within the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
\nDisabilities, but also contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.