Emerging
Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.

Promoting equity in health emergencies through health systems strengthening: lessons learned from disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic

Pearce, E., Kamenov, K., Barrett, D., Cieza, A.

Release Date:

Summary Report/Recommendations

Data Collection and Analysis
Policy Change/ Development
Healthcare Access and Quality
Social and Community Context
Tools Included
Outside U.S.
Facemask

Mitigation and Prevention

This commentary discusses the importance of inclusive health systems strengthening in promoting equity during health emergencies, using the example of disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the increased risks faced by persons with disabilities during the pandemic and the barriers they encounter in accessing healthcare. It emphasizes the need for accessible and comprehensive health emergency preparedness and response plans that consider the needs of persons with disabilities. It also explores strategies for disability inclusion in COVID-19 responses, such as producing accessible public health information and involving organizations of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Opportunities to strengthen inclusion and equity in COVID-19 responses include equitable access to telehealth and inclusive decision-making processes.

Resource Details

Outcomes of Interest

Reduction of Health Disparities

Priority Population(s)

Setting(s) of Implementation

Community

Geographic Area of Implementation

Implementation Period

2022