Over 1.3 billion people globally have a disability, with many experiencing premature mortality and higher disease risks. These inequities are due to unfair and avoidable conditions within and beyond the health system. This situation is unacceptable and highlights critical gaps in realising the human right to health. Meaningful change is urgently needed to achieve Health For All.
To advance health equity for persons with disabilities, the WHO Disability Health Equity Initiative was launched on 10 June 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. As part of this initiative, the WHO Secretariat established the WHO Disability Health Equity Network, a new global platform bringing together stakeholders from governments, civil society, academia, and international organizations, to work in support of inclusive health systems.
Following the initial membership round, the 147 approved members of this Network will officially meet for the first time on 12-13 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. This meeting will mark the inauguration of this Network, celebrating this milestone and providing for two days of strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative planning.
All are welcome to follow the opening session on 12 November, 9:00-10:30am CET, on the WHO YouTube channel. The rest of the inaugural meeting will only engage the approved members of the Network.
Programme/noncommunicable-diseases-rehabilitation-and-disability-(ncd)/sensory-functions-disability-and-rehabilitation-(sdr)/programme-of-the-opening-session---inaugural-meeting-of-the-who-disability-health-equity-network.png?sfvrsn=b6c6dcde_3 "Programme of the opening session - Inaugural meeting of the WHO Disability Health Equity Network")
The opening session will be held in person in WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, and will also be broadcast on the WHO YouTube channel for anyone to follow online. This event will be conducted in English with captioning. Interpretation in official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) and International Sign Language will also be available.
The livestream will start at 9:00 CET. Select “Live” in the WHO YouTube channel.
Click here to follow this event in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish.
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/noncommunicable-diseases-rehabilitation-and-disability-(ncd)/sensory-functions-disability-and-rehabilitation-(sdr)/flyer---opening-who-disability-health-equity-network-meeting.png?sfvrsn=48a86924_1 "Flyer - Opening WHO Disability Health Equity Network Meeting")
