This webinar was more than just an online gathering; it was a strategic step to strengthen the capacity of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). Its primary goal was to ensure OPD representatives could deepen their understanding of health equity and sharpen their advocacy skills. The expected outcome was clear: the capacity of at least 150 OPD representatives across six WHO regions would be enhanced, enabling them to champion the right to health for persons with disabilities more effectively.
The 25 to 30 participants carefully selected from IDA’s network, were those with a keen interest or prior experience in inclusive health advocacy. The program was thoughtfully structured: it began with an expert presentation from the WHO regional office, continued with an OPD presentation on the four phases of engagement outlined in the WHO Guide for Action, and concluded with a plenary discussion that encouraged interaction, questions, and the sharing of lived experiences.
One of the most memorable sessions was “OPD Engagement: The 4 Phases of Engagement in line with WHO Guide for Action.” Over the course of 20 minutes, Nena Hutahean, a disability rights advocate and lawyer from Indonesia, delivered a detailed explanation of the engagement phases. She clarified the strategic role of OPDs at each stage, from planning to policy implementation. Supported by a PowerPoint presentation and enriched with live chat and Q&A, the session allowed participants to engage directly, pose questions, and contribute their perspectives.
Beyond knowledge sharing, the webinar served as a platform to reaffirm collective commitment. ADF and IDA demonstrated that inclusive health advocacy is not merely a concept but a tangible movement involving diverse stakeholders. With stronger understanding and skills, OPDs are now better equipped to push for health systems that are fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
This webinar marked a significant step forward: the voices of persons with disabilities are being heard more clearly, and the principle of equity is becoming firmly rooted as the foundation of health policies at both regional and global levels.