Stakeholders in the humanitarian sector have called on federal government and citizens of Nigeria to prioritize the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country, especially in the healthcare system.
President of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Dr. Peterside Sofiri made the call at a press briefing, organised by TAF Africa, in Abuja.
Speaking at the forum Dr Sofiri, emphasised urgent need to reduce the huge burden of disabilities on vulnerable citizens while also strengthening disability inclusion in the country’s healthcare system.
He mentioned that the goal of stakeholders coming together is to find a common ground and to: “Ensure that PWDs have adequate medical care, social interventions and assess the effectiveness of those laws”.
CEO of TAF Africa Jake Epelle, said that actions are underway to support interventions and official paperwork to ensure adequate healthcare for individuals with special needs.
He noted previous discussions among stakeholders, stating that Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability, had been briefed about the initiative.
Jake said, “So, this was the meeting that we carried out to debrief on the activities that we planned and also to see where they are legislative guards for him to begin with and how those legislative bills and motions can be factored into their activities.”
RN