In this respect, health should be seen as a basic human right. Consistent with these basic principles, WHO's policy is to promote a health reform internationally which will have a major impact and make an important difference in the individual's life. Social Change Increasing life-expectancy has contributed to a growing population of older persons and, as a result of this ageing population, there is an increasing number of persons with disabilities. Better perinatal care has increased the chances for children with disabilities to survive. The epidemic of non-communicable diseases has resulted in a continuing increase in the number of persons with chronic diseases and disabilities.
Injuries are also on the rise due to increasing violence, conflict and traffic accidents.
Persons with disabilities are living longer in all societies. Younger persons with disabilities are beginning to outlive their primary care givers. The consequence of this trend has been a rise in the demand for rehabilitation services which, until now, has not been able to meet these needs. Traditionally, society has done little to address disability issues and, as a matter of fact, limited resources have promoted dependence on costly institutional solutions. This approach is gradually being replaced by one in which governments, agencies and communities seek innovative programmes to support persons with disabilities to live more independently, participate more fully in the community, and reduce their dependence on health and social systems.