Today we mark the day dedicated to raising awareness, respect, and support for persons with disabilities.

Persons with disabilities—physical, intellectual, sensory, or multiple—often face increased health and social challenges. To ensure comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality health and public health care, a systemic approach that takes into account their specific needs is essential. In the Republic of Macedonia, one of the institutions with a significant role in this area is the Institute of Public Health.

The International day of persons with disabilities is marked every year on 3 December worldwide. It was first proclaimed as an annual observance in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3.

The commemoration of the International day of persons with disabilities aims to promote understanding of disability issues and to mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The commitment of the United Nations to the realization of all human rights for persons with disabilities has been strengthened through the widely ratified Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Given the multiple crises facing today’s world, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is at risk. At the midpoint of the implementation period of the 2030 Agenda, the world is not on track to achieve many of the goals by 2030.

Unfortunately, the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world are often the hardest hit during times of crisis. Preliminary findings from the forthcoming UN Disability and Development Report 2023 indicate that progress is insufficient and that there is a risk of failing to achieve several SDGs for persons with disabilities.

Our efforts to rescue the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities must be intensified and accelerated, given that persons with disabilities have historically been marginalized and often left furthest behind.

A fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing, and action is critical. An integral part of this shift is the inclusion of the voices, needs, and priorities of the global community of persons with disabilities in all their diversity.

It is encouraging that, with the adoption of the Political Declaration at the recent SDG Summit, world leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving sustainable development and shared prosperity for all, with a focus on policies and actions targeting the poorest and most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities.

This calls for renewed efforts by Member States, the United Nations system, civil society, and the global community of persons with disabilities—through strengthened action and international cooperation—to make the SDGs a reality for, with, and by persons with disabilities.

On 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we once again emphasize our strong and lasting commitment to advancing health care, equality, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.

The Institute of Public Health continuously works on:

·         Improving access to health services for persons with disabilities;

·         Developing programs for early detection, prevention, and support aimed at improving quality of life;

·         Advancing public health policies toward creating an inclusive health environment;

·         Cooperating with institutions, associations, and local communities to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities;

·         Education and raising public awareness about the importance of respect, understanding, and integration.

This day is a reminder that every person has the right to dignity, support, and the opportunity for active participation in society. Our mission is to create a system that recognizes needs and builds solutions for a better, healthier, and fairer future for all.

Together, we are building a barrier-free society.