Disability and Multidimensional Poverty: A Global Comparative Analysis

People with disabilities are widely recognised as being at high risk of poverty, yet globally comparable evidence has been scarce.  

This seminar presents the first global analysis of multidimensional poverty by disability status using the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). It draws on Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) from 66 low‑ and middle‑income countries, using a harmonised disability definition based on Washington Group recommendations. The analysis compares multidimensional poverty among individuals living in households with children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, both, or none. It also examines intrahousehold inequalities in child nutrition and adult education.  

The results highlight persistent disability‑related inequalities and underscore the need for inclusive poverty‑reduction policies to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in development.