Disability inclusion in health systems uneven across Latin America and Caribbean, report finds

Despite legal and policy advancements, persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean continue to struggle for equal access to health services and emergency care, according to a new report. The joint publication by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the Inter-American Network of Persons with Disabilities and Their Families (RIADIS) examines experiences in 10 regional countries.

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persons with disabilities across Latin America and the Caribbean, many continue to face barriers to accessing health services and emergency care on an equal basis.

The report, titled “Disability inclusion in health systems and emergency management in Latin America and the Caribbean,” identifies persistent structural gaps that impede equitable access, particularly during crises. Globally, about 16 percent of the population lives with a disability. In the LAC region, these individuals often face higher rates of poverty, social exclusion, and service barriers, which are amplified during emergencies.

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structural gaps continue to hinder equitable access to health care and essential services, particularly during emergencies.

Key findings underscore significant health inequities. Persons with disabilities are substantially less likely to access services for conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and less likely to undergo screenings like HPV tests. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, life expectancy can be reduced by as much as two decades. The report pinpoints four major challenges: fragmented and incompatible information systems, health services designed around provision rather than patient needs, inadequate and inconsistent training for health workers on disability inclusion, and emergency plans lacking concrete operational measures for accessibility and care continuity.

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Persons with disabilities are up to 45 per cent less likely to access services for cardiovascular disease and diabetes and 33 per cent less likely to receive screening services such as HPV testing.

Furthermore, the report highlights considerable territorial disparities. Inclusive services are often concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural and remote areas with less access and widening existing inequalities. These disparities become especially critical during emergencies and disasters, where barriers can disrupt treatment and escalate health risks for persons with disabilities. To address these issues, the report proposes a roadmap including mainstreaming disability into health policies, improving data collection with accessible and disaggregated information, and ensuring reasonable accommodations.

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In some cases, including among people with intellectual disabilities, life expectancy can be up to 20 years shorter.