Leyoo Ajeokun
Association of Anambra State Women with Disabilities (AASWOWD) has raised alarm over discriminations and barriers in their course of seeking health care at the health institutions in the state.
AASWOWD is a parent body of women with disabilities,
The group stated that the Stigmatization include systematic barriers, discriminatory attitudes and lack of accessibility especially with respect to the provision of ramps, adjustable beds in some health facilities, sign language interpreters, as well as readable information materials.
The state Chairperson of AASWOWD, Comrade Ncheta Nwanokwara, who stated this at their annual August meeting held at Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, Saturday, noted that over the years the barriers and discrimination have excluded many PWDs from accessing quality healthcare services they deserve.
Nwanokwara, who said the theme for the August meeting was “Ensuring an accessible and inclusive reproductive healthcare system for women with disabilities”, advocated for improved healthcare service delivery to people living with disabilities (PWDs), noting that it was a fundamental human right yet women with disabilities were denied the opportunity.
She said, “We have also continued to make important strides in raising awareness and advocating for a more inclusive reproductive and healthcare system. As we continue to amplify the voices of women with disabilities, ensuring that their needs, perspective, and rights are central to the design and delivery of reproductive healthcare services in Anambra State.”
The guest speakers at the programme, including the President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr Ogochukwu Ofiaeli, and Ms lessing Nnaeme from Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI), urged public institutions to strive towards implementing the Anambra State Disability Rights Law (2018) by ensuring that their infrastructure are accessible to all.
Ofiaeli also advised the PWDs to seek knowledge to improve their health status and economic sustainability, as well as to ensure improved data documentation of their members accessing medical institutions so as to assist them for advocacy campaign among stakeholders.