The Government of Borno State has organized a workshop to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accessing healthcare services.
The event, facilitated by the state ministry of health and human services in collaboration with Action Against Hunger, the Christian Blind Mission, the Jemilius Aid and Relief Initiative, and the Future Resilience and Development Foundation, took place at Bon Elvis Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Participants from the ministries of health, justice, women affairs, youth and sport, among others, joined the program.
Also around was the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities JONAPWD
Muhammad Dauda Jamil, Acting Director Emergency Medical Response and Humanitarian Services Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services emphasized the importance of promoting inclusion in healthcare services and collaborating with stakeholders.
He highlighted the need to develop a plan for the state’s healthcare system to address the challenges faced by PWDs.
Ibrahim Jidda, a public mental health expert who was a facilitator, said the training focused on making healthcare systems inclusive.
During the training, a plan was developed to support and train healthcare personnel to address gaps in communicating with PWDs.
Abdulrahaman Mele, desk officer for disability inclusion, outlined activities such as surveys, visits, training, and auditing health facilities as part of the plan.
On his part, Ahmadu Umar, chairman of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities, Borno chapter, emphasized the importance of inclusion in decision-making processes.
He cited challenges faced by PWDs, including housing and representation in governance.
Esirel Adekunle Balogun, an expert in disability inclusion, identified barriers as another challenge.
He called on the Government of Borno to assent to the disability bill, which would make inclusion mandatory in governance.
