In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide have been thrust into unprecedented circumstances, requiring rapid policy responses that address the needs of all citizens, especially marginalized and vulnerable populations. Among these populations, people with disabilities often face heightened risks and barriers to accessing healthcare and social support during health crises. A groundbreaking new study published in the International Journal for Equity in Health has brought to light a comprehensive analysis of Zambia’s government COVID-19 policies, examining the degree to which disability inclusion has been addressed within this framework. This research offers significant insights into the intersection of public health policy and disability rights during one of the most challenging emergencies of recent times.
The study, led by researchers Seketi, Scherer, Anitha Menon, and colleagues, undertakes a meticulous framework analysis aimed at dissecting the extent to which Zambia’s COVID-19 government policies have integrated disability considerations. Zambia, a lower-middle-income African country with an estimated disability prevalence rate that aligns with global averages, presents a vital case study in understanding how health emergencies impact people with disabilities in resource-constrained environments. By analyzing official policy documents, the researchers reveal both the gaps and progressive steps taken in attempting to create an inclusive public health response.
At the core of the analysis is the recognition that people with disabilities often experience disproportionate vulnerabilities during pandemics. These vulnerabilities stem from various structural barriers, including limited access to health information tailored to diverse disabilities, reduced mobility, dependence on caregivers, and social marginalization. The Zambian government’s policy documents, published during different phases of the pandemic, were scrutinized for their acknowledgment of these obstacles and their implementation of measures designed to mitigate them.
One of the most striking findings of the research is the notable inconsistency in how disability inclusion was incorporated across different policy areas. While some documents made passing references to the need for inclusive communication—such as providing sign language interpreters for official announcements or accessible formats for public health guidelines—there was an apparent lack of systematic strategies to address the comprehensive needs of people with disabilities. This inconsistency highlights ongoing challenges in embedding disability rights firmly within public health frameworks, especially in emergent scenarios where rapid policymaking is necessary.
Furthermore, the researchers underscore the critical importance of embedding disability inclusion not only as a humanitarian concern but as a fundamental aspect of equity and justice in health. By inadequately considering the specific challenges faced by people with disabilities, policies risk exacerbating existing inequalities and missing opportunities to protect a vulnerable segment of the population effectively. Zambia’s experience, as revealed by the study, mirrors a global pattern where disability often remains insufficiently prioritized in emergency response planning.
Importantly, the study also points to instances of good practice within Zambia’s policy landscape. Certain interventions, such as targeted outreach to disability organizations and the inclusion of disability considerations in social protection schemes, signal progress toward more inclusive governance. However, these initiatives were not universally applied nor comprehensively evaluated for effectiveness, indicating room for improvement in policy design and implementation fidelity.
Technically, the researchers employed a rigorous framework analysis methodology, applying theoretical models of disability rights and inclusion to assess the policy texts. This approach enabled them to identify explicit and implicit references to disability, categorize the nature and depth of inclusion, and evaluate policy coherence regarding disability equity. By combining qualitative content analysis with a grounded theoretical lens, the study offers a nuanced understanding of how policy rhetoric translates—or fails to translate—into actionable commitments.
The implications of these findings extend beyond Zambia’s borders. They emphasize the urgent need for governments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to adopt intersectional approaches in public health policymaking that systematically integrate disability inclusion from the outset. This integration requires cross-sector collaboration, adequate resource allocation, and participatory mechanisms that empower people with disabilities to have a seat at decision-making tables affecting their lives.
Moreover, the research calls for global health and policy communities to strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks that can track disability inclusion in real time during crises. The absence of such mechanisms limits the ability to course-correct and ensure that emergency responses remain equitable, transparent, and accountable. Data collection efforts must be enhanced too, as accurate disaggregation by disability status is crucial to understanding the impact of health policies on different population groups.
The study also resonates deeply within the broader discourse on the human rights-based approach to health. By aligning their analysis with international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the authors reaffirm that disability inclusion in health policies is not just a matter of ethics but a binding obligation under international law. This legal context elevates the urgency of embedding disability concerns into public health preparedness and response frameworks.
Zambia’s case underscores that inclusive public health policy is not merely about emergency response but about building resilient health systems that cater to diversity in normal times and crises alike. Investments in disability-inclusive infrastructure, accessible healthcare services, and equity-driven social safety nets contribute to sustainable health outcomes and better preparedness for future shocks. Policymakers must therefore view disability inclusion as integral to strengthening health system resilience.
In addition, technological innovations hold promise for enhancing disability inclusion in health crises. Digital health interventions, remote consultations, and accessible information dissemination platforms can address some barriers faced by people with disabilities. However, the study highlights that such innovations must be designed with input from the disability community to avoid perpetuating exclusion and to ensure technological accessibility is prioritized.
Ultimately, the research offers a clarion call to act against the invisibility of disability within emergency health policy frameworks. It urges governments, international bodies, and advocacy groups to champion disability inclusion as a non-negotiable component of equitable health governance. Only through deliberate, informed, and collaborative efforts can the global community aspire to leave no one behind in the face of future pandemics or health emergencies.
This study stands as a testament to the power of focused policy analysis in driving systemic change. By shedding light on Zambia’s experiences, it provides a roadmap for other countries grappling with similar challenges—highlighting not only pitfalls but pragmatic steps toward inclusive, equitable, and effective health policy. The onus now rests on political will, resource mobilization, and inclusive governance to translate these findings into tangible improvements that protect and empower people with disabilities during crises and beyond.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed structural inequities worldwide, with disability inclusion emerging as a critical axis of concern. Zambia’s government policies, as painstakingly analyzed in this research, reveal both the progress made and the significant gaps that remain. This work enriches the global discourse on equitable health policymaking and underscores the necessity for comprehensive, rights-based approaches that center the experiences and needs of people with disabilities. As the world prepares for future health challenges, this study’s insights call for embedding disability inclusion as a fundamental pillar of public health strategy, ensuring that no population is sidelined in times of crisis.
Subject of Research: Disability inclusion in government COVID-19 policies in Zambia
Article Title: Disability inclusion in Zambia’s government COVID-19 policies: a framework analysis
Article References:
Seketi, Q., Scherer, N., Anitha Menon, J. et al. Disability inclusion in Zambia’s government COVID-19 policies: a framework analysis. Int J Equity Health 24, 300 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-025-02656-3
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