According to the World Health Organisation, about 600 million people worldwide have disabilities of various types, and the number is increasing due to the rise of chronic diseases, injuries, car crashes, falls, violence, and other causes, such as ageing. Of this total, 80% live in low-income countries; most are poor and have limited or no access to basic services, including rehabilitation facilities. They may also face social stigma owing to a lack of education about their disability.

Global need calls for international action. Therefore, CBM takes part in international alliance-building to establish worldwide campaigns focusing on the needs and rights of people with disabilities. Within these international cooperations and campaigns, CBM contributes its expertise in the field of disability, particularly in medical care, education, and rehabilitation. In addition, CBM presents its programmes in the course of international events and conferences, thus advocating the mainstreaming of disability issues into development policies.

To read the latest WHO World Health Report, please click on the following link:
WHO Primary Health Care report

Further information: International cooperations and campaigns
Read more: CBM and the Make Development Inclusive campaign