Inaugural meeting of the WHO Disability Health Equity Network

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.

Agenda