Quarter of EU population has long-term disability

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL

Some 25 percent of all EU population has suffered long-term disabilities as of end of 2017, EU’s statistical office said on Monday

This population felt some or severe limitations in performing everyday activities for a period of six months or longer, according to Eurostat.

It said: "Across the EU Member States in 2017, the lowest proportions of self-perceived long-standing disabilities were reported in Malta (12 percent) and Sweden (13), and the highest in Latvia (41), Slovenia (36) and Estonia (35).

Women with long-term disability represented 27 percent while 22 percent was for men in the year, according to Eurostat data.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been contributing to raise awareness of the disability since 1992.

The World Bank said that 1 billion people -- 15 percent of the world's population -- had disabilities in the world.

Poor nutrition, education and health care deficiency, unsafe working conditions, the environment pollution, and lack of access to safe water and sanitation are important causes of the disability, according to the World Bank.

"Disability may increase the risk of poverty, through lack of employment and education opportunities, lower wages, and increased cost of living with a disability," the bank said.