of qualified teachers abroad. Emigration of qualified teachers is seriously burdening Philippine’s
educational system. As one parent of children with disability shared,
“There is a need to teachers and interpreters higher salary and benefits such as insurance
to encourage them to stay in the country. Many SPED teachers in Imus, Cavite go abroad
due to better compensation offer.”
Right to Health
International frameworks on right to health of women with disabilities
The right of persons with disabilities to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical
and mental health is a fundamental human right anchored in a range of international
instruments. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right to
health as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living and social protection. The
ICESCR Article 12 also covers persons with disabilities right to health and mandates state parties
to take necessary step to reduce stillbirth rate and infant mortality, ensure hygiene, prevention,
treatment and control of all forms of diseases, and availability of medical services.
Likewise, under Article 12 of CEDAW, covers persons with disabilities particularly women
with disabilities are entitled to access to health care services specifically on access to
reproductive and maternal health services such as family planning, pre and post natal care and
nutrition.
Article 23 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes the right of mentally
or physically disabled child to enjoy a full and decent life. It highlights the state obligation to
ensure access to health care services and rehabilitation services and promote international
cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of preventive health care and of medical,
psychological and functional treatment of disabled children, including dissemination of and
access to information.
Article 25 of the UNCRPD reinforces the right of persons with disabilities to attain the
highest standard of health care, without discrimination on the basis of disability. It specifically
underscores that health services must be gender-sensitivity. The range, quality and standard of
health services provided to persons with disabilities must be the same as provided with other
persons. Because of their disability, the provision put importance to early detection and
intervention, and services designed to minimize and prevent further disabilities. It also highlights
the health professionals’ obligation to ensure quality care to persons with disabilities and to go
through necessary training to properly fulfill duty.
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