# Overview of Access to Health

> “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition”.
>
> _**Source**_
>
> [World Health Organization (2020)](https://apps.who.int/gb/bd/pdf_files/BD_49th-en.pdf)

Everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) has the right to the best possible [quality of health](https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session22/A.HRC.22.53_English.pdf). This includes:&#x20;

* the right to [readily available](https://www.refworld.org/legal/general/cescr/2000/en/36991) and [easily accessible](https://www.refworld.org/legal/general/cedaw/1999/en/11953) healthcare facilities and services ; including the ability to obtain healthcare services, such as preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases, illness, disorders, and other health-impacting conditions.&#x20;
* liberties like the right to manage one's own body and the freedom from cruel or inhumane treatment during medical procedures and experiments.&#x20;

The United Nations [affirms that the elimination of discrimination](https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CEDAW%2FC%2FUGA%2FCO%2F7\&Lang=en) on the basis of SOGIESC is key for LGBTQIA+ people to achieve the best possible level of health. &#x20;

LGBTQIA+ people, however, continue to face disproportionate health disparities because of various forms of stigma and discrimination. In Malaysia, institutionalized discrimination through criminalization, exclusion, and promotion of conversion practices not only creates gaps in the healthcare systems of LGBTQIA+ health needs but also distrust among LGBTQIA+ people in accessing health services. This,  in turn, adds health burdens on LGBTQIA+ people and the healthcare system.&#x20;
