What causes disability

In poor countries, many disabilities are caused by poverty, accidents, and by wars.

For example:

If a mother does not get enough to eat when she is pregnant, her child may be born with a disability (birth defect).

If a baby or young child does not get enough good food to eat she or he may become blind or mentally slow.

Poor sanitation and crowded living conditions, together with poor food and a lack of basic health services and vaccinations, can lead to many disabilities.

In today’s wars, more women and children are killed or disabled than are soldiers or other men.

But even if these reasons for disability are eliminated, there will always be persons with disabilities—it is a natural part of life.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en011103