A substantial health disparity exists for the 1.3 billion individuals with disabilities globally, who face significantly higher disease prevalence and mortality rates than their non-disabled counterparts. For instance, adults with disabilities in the United States have a heart disease prevalence of 10.4%, compared to 3.7% for those without disabilities. The aggregate impact of these inequities is alarming, with people with disabilities experiencing a mortality rate 2.2 times higher than others, resulting in a mean life expectancy that is 13.8 years shorter. Despite having greater healthcare needs, individuals with disabilities frequently encounter barriers to accessing care, including financial constraints, inadequate transport options, and systemic discrimination.

Efforts by organizations like the McKinsey Health Institute and the Missing Billion Initiative aim to develop inclusive health systems that cater to the unique needs of people with disabilities. By analyzing patient care pathways for both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, these organizations highlight the critical barriers faced during prevention, diagnosis, and treatment stages. Proposals to improve care access include enhancing healthcare worker training, ensuring facility accessibility, and raising awareness to tackle stigma. These steps are crucial in closing health equity gaps and fostering an inclusive healthcare environment that better serves disabled individuals.

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