Frontiers

Frontiers | Unlocking potential: innovative “private-non-profit” partnership for empowering children with disabilities in resource-limited settings in Nepal

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 240 million children live with disabilities, with approximately 10% of them experiencing physical disabilities. These disabilities often arise from congenital conditions, injuries, infections, or malnutrition, disproportionately affecting children in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) (1). In Nepal, a population-based study revealed that approximately 2% of children under 16 years’ old experience some form of physical disability, representing a significant public health burden (2). Early identification and intervention are critical as untreated physical disabilities can lead to secondary complications, including deformities, chronic pain, and impaired development (3). Furthermore, the socio-economic impacts are substantial; children with disabilities are less likely to attend school, with UNICEF reporting that 85% of children with disabilities in developing countries remain out of school (4).