New Health Fact

Facts:

* The World Health Organisation estimates that over a billion people, about 15 per cent of the world's population, have some form of disability. 

* According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it is also evaluated that about 80 per cent of these disabled people live in developing countries.

* Globally, it is assumed that one in every ten people is a person with a disability. 

* According to UNICEF, 30 per cent of street youths are disabled. 

* Between 110 million and 190 million people have significant difficulties in functioning (WHO).

* UNESCO states that 98 per cent of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. 

* A recent research done by the UN shows that the causes of disability are often directly related to poverty: malnutrition causes 20 per cent of disabilities, accidents/trauma and war 16 per cent, infectious diseases 11 per cent, non-infectious diseases 20 per cent, others (including ageing) 13 per cent.

* According to WHO, people with disabilities have less access to health care services and therefore experience unmet health care needs.