Inclusive health

We believe everyone should have the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health, without discrimination

It's a human right!

This is described in Article 25 (Health) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The World Health Organization also recognises the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health as one of the fundamental rights of every human being.

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The challenge

We know people with Down syndrome do not always get the healthcare they need. There are big differences in the quality of healthcare services available to people with Down syndrome around the world. In some places, people with Down syndrome have access to the same healthcare as everyone else. In other places, they may not have access to any healthcare at all.

There is a need to change negative attitudes, tackle diagnostic overshadowing, improve access to information, and provide training on easy-to-understand communication.

The DSi network advocates for inclusive healthcare for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.​

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What is inclusive health?

Every person should have access to the highest attainable standard of healthcare provision where they live.

For people with Down syndrome, this can be realised if:

• any health diagnosis is based on what is presented, without any bias or discrimination;
• the right health surveillance or treatments take place when they are required and
• people are supported to understand their healthcare needs and make their own choices.

This is what we would expect for any person. 

What we are describing here is an inclusive health system, one which will deliver better outcomes for everyone.

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What we are doing

Project focus - Cardiac consensus statement

• WHEN - 2021-2022
• WHO WITH - With international clinical experts on cardiac disease and other key stakeholders.
• WHAT IS HAPPENING - An up-to-date review and expert consensus document on cardiac disease in Down syndrome to be shared with health professionals worldwide.

LEARN ABOUT CARDIAC STATEMENT

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Project focus - COVID-19 vaccination prioritisation

• WHEN - 2021 
• WHO WITH - Our members and international disability partners. 
• WHAT IS HAPPENING - A campaign to ensure prioritisation of COVID-19 vaccination for people with Down syndrome, who have been left behind in the COVID-19 response.

LEARN ABOUT VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

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What is next?

We are learning all the time from our current and previous projects. In health, we are planning advocacy, training and the production of basic health resources to combat discrimination and poor health treatment and outcomes for people with Down syndrome, something which is built into systems around the world.   

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If you like what you have seen, why not sign up to join our network?

Learn - find out what needs to change in the world so that all people with Down syndrome are fully included in society.

Inform - tell us what life is like for people with Down syndrome where you live.

Advocate - speak up for people with Down syndrome and disabilities.

SIGN-UP

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