The International Paralympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote diversity and equity in health and sports.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today signed an agreement to work together to promote diversity and equity in an international initiative promoting health and sports.

The two partners will be part of the overall health coverage to improve access to global quality rehabilitation and auxiliary technology; And alleviate differences in access to these life-changing services – equal opportunities for people with disabilities, including paralympics and para athletes, and participation in sports.

“Sports and health are natural partners that strengthen each other,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gebres, Director-General of the World Health Organization. More than that, the Paralympic Games are an inspiring statement that people with disabilities can achieve. This partnership between the World Health Organization and the IPC provides a platform for more people with disabilities to participate in sports, as well as to show why universal health coverage is important and to ensure that all people have access to care and technology. ”

For his part, IPC President Andrew Parson said: “This new partnership will greatly benefit the community as sports are a great tool to lead active and healthy lifestyles. IPC’s partnership with the World Health Organization focuses on creating a world that includes more than just physical and healthy lifestyles, especially the role of auxiliary technologies that help more than 1 billion people with disabilities.

Mr. Parsons and Dr. Tedros sign a memorandum of understanding in Tokyo. Paralympic Games They start on August 24 and end on September 5.

Disability is a global public health issue but it is widespread in low-income countries as they do not even have access to health care and assistance technology. The World Health Organization estimates that about 15% of the world’s population is disabled – a population growth rate due to population changes, including aging and chronic health conditions. Only 1 in 2 people with disabilities, including rehabilitation services, can provide health care. And 1 in 10 will find a life-changing auxiliary technology.

Health care information and care are not readily available to people with disabilities who are exposed to COVID-19 and COVID-19.