Adeola Ojo
Research Mentor: Rebecca Irvine
Mentor Department: Not Available, ART
Author(s): Adeola Ojo, Rebecca Irvine, Addison Konicki
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 125
Abstract
Adopted in 2006, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) aims to promote and protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities. By outlining categories of rights and the necessary measures to allow persons with disabilities to fully enjoy these rights, the CRPD has thus far been ratified by 193 parties. Despite promises made, however, many states have failed to uphold their responsibilities under this convention and the rights of people with disabilities have been unprotected. This project aims to address some of these struggles in implementation of neonatal screening by examining Article 25 on Health of the CRPD, specifically in Argentina, starting from September 2007 when new guidelines on screening were implemented. Analysis of Argentina’s state reporting, international public health data, and relevant legal frameworks suggests that while Argentina has formally adopted CRPD principles, gaps remain in equitable healthcare access. Argentina ratified the CRPD and expanded neonatal screening guidelines as seen with Act No. 26279 in 2007, reflecting a commitment to early detection and prevention of conditions that may lead to disability. Neonatal screening programs represent an important public health intervention because early diagnosis can enable timely treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. This project is part of a growing body of research on the CRPD’s implementation and will contribute to further research on disability rights. Greater public health efforts, similar to Argentina’s neonatal screening initiatives, can help lessen global health disability disparities.
