WASHINGTON,United States (CMC) — A new report has found that despite progress in laws, policies and programmes aimed at advancing the rights of persons with disabilities across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), many continue to face barriers to accessing health services and emergency care on an equal basis.

The new report has been released by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Inter-American Network of Persons with Disabilities and Their Families (RIADIS).

The report titled “Disability inclusion in health systems and emergency management in Latin America and the Caribbean” reviews experiences and challenges in 10 countries across the region and finds that structural gaps continue to hinder equitable access to health care and essential services, particularly during emergencies.