Why is being preventable the supposed requirement for a public health issue?

Public health problems are defined as medical issues that affect a significant proportion of a specific population. Despite this definition in the healthcare system, disability is a neglected issue in public health, as it's often overlooked because it's not seen as "preventable" like other health issues. This whole attitude suggests that it is justifiable to provide services for disability management but not to allocate resources that help prevent the development of other health conditions or illnesses in this community. Although it is true that some people are born with their disabilities, this notion is incorrect and simplistic. The reality is that disability health as a medical issue is so much more complicated and it encompasses more than just the impact and existence of their direct disability. These individuals are more likely to develop chronic diseases and secondary conditions like cardiovascular disease, mental illness, diabetes and kidney disease than the general population. This is not always a direct result of their condition, but because people with disabilities face significant barriers and discrimination which contribute to lower employment and education rates, as well as higher rates of violence, psychological distress, and riskier health behaviours such as smoking and drinking. It's these biopsychosocial factors that do impact health, and they are avoidable with proper intervention and awareness strategies from the government. Smoking and drinking are known to be linked to the development of heart disease, and psychological stress puts people in a vulnerable state for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. So the health outcomes for this community tend to be lower across a number of areas, not just in relation to difficulties associated with their disability.

I admit there have been steps taken to address this issue with the creation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in 2013 providing funding for individuals to receive the necessary support to participate in society and fulfil their potential. I think it's promising that there is an initiative in the space, however, recent news has shown that this scheme needs improvement with abuse going unaddressed and individuals waiting months for funding. This scheme also again only addresses the impact that their disabilities' have on everyday life rather than the complex and interconnected factors leading to other severe diseases. We need to recognise disability on a national level as a significant public health issue so that adequate funding and resources are allocated and progress towards equal health outcomes occurs. This requires a national approach, which focuses not only on the management of conditions but on limiting the unique risk factors for disease impacting those with disabilities. It needs to have individuals with disabilities leading the charge, as it is clear that these biopsychosocial factors continue to exist because people with disabilities are often not included in efforts to advance health equity. The fact that 1 in 6 people have a disability in Australia just goes to show how greater awareness is required - not only from the wider public but amongst doctors and healthcare providers in general.