Healthcare Access for People with Disabilities in LMICs
摘要
In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), people with disabilities encounter complex barriers to healthcare access, including economic constraints, physical inaccessibility, and societal stigma. These challenges exacerbate health inequities and limit opportunities for achieving optimal well-being. This chapter explores the prevalence and multifaceted impact of disability in LMICs, highlighting the cyclical relationship between poverty, exclusion, and poor health outcomes. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as the Social Model of Disability and the Capability Approach, this chapter examines systemic barriers and their far-reaching implications. It emphasizes the importance of international policies, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in fostering disability-inclusive healthcare systems. Promising strategies such as community-based rehabilitation programs, infrastructure improvements, and the integration of assistive technologies demonstrate the potential for transformative change. However, significant gaps persist in knowledge and implementation, underscoring the need for robust, context-specific research. This chapter invites a call to action for stakeholders to develop innovative, sustainable approaches that advance equity and inclusivity in healthcare for individuals with disabilities in LMICs.