JH-IIRU Joins WHO in Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU), a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Injuries, Violence and Accident Prevention, is proud to join WHO and partners in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Sunday, December 3, 2017.

Reflecting a growing understanding that the burden of disability is increasing globally, IDPD celebrates “a day for all.” According to WHO, approximately 15% of the world’s population experiences some form of disability; and more than 90% of these individuals live in low- and middle-income countries. This disproportionate distribution of burden has consequences for individuals with disabilities, their families, and society as a whole.
 
The JH-IIRU leadership team and its faculty and staff embrace this day’s importance, acknowledging the burden of disability associated not only with injuries but also communicable and non-communicable diseases. With more than one billion people affected, a special emphasis must remain on working in this area.
 
Here at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, JH-IIRU will continue to work towards identifying effective solutions to the growing burden of disabilities in low- and middle-income populations, influence public policy and practice, and advance the field of injury prevention throughout the world for all.
 
Please join JH-IIRU on social media (Facebook, Twitter) to share how you are celebrating “a day for all.”