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Action for Access: Equity for Children With Disabilities in Lowand Middle-Income Countries

Emilee Flynn1, Megan S McHenry2, Barnabas Kigen3

  • 1Division of Palliative Care Medicine Emory School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.

Pediatric Annals
|July 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Globally, 16% of people have disabilities, but diagnosis and access to care are challenging, especially in low-income nations. Pediatricians can advocate for improved healthcare, education, and resources for children with disabilities worldwide.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Disability Studies
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Significant disability affects 16% of the global population, though this figure may be an underestimate.
  • Lack of a universal definition and validated diagnostic tools hinders accurate identification, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Limited access to specialized healthcare and community resources, compounded by distance and cost, poses challenges for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the global disparities in disability diagnosis and resource allocation.
  • To emphasize the need for improved frameworks and equitable application of support for people with disabilities.
  • To identify actionable roles for pediatricians in advocating for children with disabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing global health frameworks and disability definitions.
  • Analysis of resource accessibility and healthcare challenges in LMICs.
  • Identification of key areas for pediatrician intervention.

Main Results:

  • Disability prevalence is high, yet diagnostic and treatment resources are inequitably distributed globally.
  • Existing international frameworks for inclusion are not consistently implemented, especially affecting LMICs.
  • Pediatricians are crucial in advocating for comprehensive support systems for children with disabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing the global disability crisis requires standardized definitions, improved diagnostic tools, and equitable resource distribution.
  • International frameworks must be effectively implemented to ensure inclusion and access for all individuals with disabilities.
  • Pediatricians have a vital role in advocating for healthcare, education, assistive technology, psychosocial support, and policy changes for children with disabilities.

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