DTMT Network

A recent United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report estimates that about 24 crore children suffer from disabilities, more than half of whom are likely to show symptoms of respiratory infections.

The report includes comparable data from 42 countries and covers more than 60 indicators of child well-being.

Citing the report, the UNICEF noted that 53% of disabled children are more likely to show symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

While 25% of disabled children are more likely to be wasted, 34% of them are more likely to be stunted, the statement released by the UNICEF read.

According to the UNICEF, the analysis was done to increase the inclusion of 10% more children and young people with disabilities ‘by ensuring they are counted, consulted and considered in decision-making.

“This new research confirms what we already knew: Children with disabilities face multiple and often compounding challenges in realising their rights,” UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said.

“From access to education to being read to at home; children with disabilities are less likely to be included or heard on almost every measure. All too often, children with disabilities are simply being left behind,” she added.

According to an estimate by the World Bank, 4.5-5 crore children in India suffer from some form of disability or other.