Children with disabilities in low-income countries

Abstract

Disability is a major public health concern worldwide and the situation for children with disabilities is even more serious. The present article will focus on the issue of children with disabilities in low-income countries. Approximately one-third of the world's disabled population is children and many of these disabling conditions are preventable. In Africa, one the foremost causes of disability is infectious and communicable disease; the incidence of these diseases have been greatly reduced or eliminated in higher income countries. Other causes include war, trauma, accidents, and congenital and noninfectious diseases. The recent HIV/AIDS epidemic has further contributed to the prevalence of disability because many people living with HIV develop different types of impairments and functional limitations. Community-based rehabilitation is one approach that has been used in many low-income countries and which often focuses on children and their families. The work of one organization providing community-based rehabilitation in Tanzania is highlighted. The experiences of the coauthors in their work in Tanzania provide some field examples. For those readers who would like to become involved in international health, opportunities for engagement are described, including short-and long-term volunteer service or research experiences.