The WMEA engages with the WHO over disability health equity

Following the World ME Alliance’s letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting critical gaps in their “Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities”, we have met with officials to discuss our recommendations.

This was a positive discussion on the importance of including those with energy limiting disabilities in global health responses. We discussed the range and severity of disability experienced by people with ME and other energy limiting disabilities, and the impact this can have on access to healthcare.

The WHO is now working to produce a Guide for Action, to help countries implement the recommendations set out in the “Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities”.

The World ME Alliance will continue to meet with WHO officials as this guide is developed, to ensure people with ME and other energy limiting disabilities are considered throughout.

We extend our thanks to Darryll Barrett (WHO Technical Lead for Disability), Dr Tarun Dua (Head of the Brian Health Unit), Dr Nicoline Schiess and Kaloyan Kamenov for a productive meeting, and look forward to ongoing work together.

This meeting was attended by the co-chairs of the World ME Alliance, Sonya Chowdhury and Oved Amitay, along with Sian Leary, our Head of Advocacy and Communications.

WAMES is an active member of the WMEA along with 20 other organisations around the globe