India
HI has had a strong presence in the country for three decades and has implemented several health, prevention and rehabilitation projects to mainstream disability into the public health system.
HI began its first operation in India in 1988, providing technical assistance to a community-based rehabilitation centre in Pondicherry, southern India. Following an emergency response to the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, the organisation developed a more permanent structure in India.
The organisation has also launched an Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Reduction project to ensure that people with disabilities and other vulnerable people are systematically considered. (Gujarat earthquake, floods in Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha and Bihar). HI implemented response and recovery projects such as the tsunami response in 2004 and the flood response in Bihar and cyclone Aila between 2007 and 2009. Through these interventions, HI has established itself as a key actor in disaster risk reduction with technical expertise in disability inclusive processes and tools.
Finally, HI has promoted equal opportunities and participation of people with disabilities, especially in employment.
A young girl fitted with prothesis, Humanity & Inclusion India | © D. Van Ophalvens / Handicap International
Actions in process
HI launched its first operation in India in 1988, providing technical support to a community-based rehabilitation centre in Pondicherry, southern India. After launching an emergency response to the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, the organisation developed a more permanent structure in India. A new project to support civil society is about to be implemented in 2024.
Areas of intervention
concretely
Situation of the country
India is considered one of the fastest growing economies if the world. However, it continues to face socio-economic challenges. 21.9 % of its population lives below poverty line and, if the country is categorised as a low middle-income country, according to the World Bank, India accounted for the world's largest number of poor people in 2012 using revised methodology to measure poverty, reflecting its massive population.
India is the seventh largest country in the world, covering an area of 3.3 million square kilometres. It is the second most populous country in the world, with 1.3 billion people (2011 census) spread across this peninsular nation from the foothills of the Himalayas to the tropical south. According to United Nations projections, based on a variety of factors including census data and birth and death rates, India now has a population of 1.4 billion, surpassing China for the first time. The population is expected to reach 1.7 billion by 2050.
In May 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected for a second five-year term with a broad mandate. His political campaign focused on job creation and infrastructure investment, while tackling corruption and promoting Hindu nationalism. The ruling coalition is expected to remain in power until the end of its term in 2024.
Number of HI staff members: 6
Date the programme opened: 1988
