In a landmark step toward promoting disability-inclusive healthcare in Nigeria, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and Special Olympics Nigeria have joined forces with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to advance inclusive health and empowerment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative.
The high-level review meeting, held at the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja, brought together key players from across the disability community, development partners, and representatives from several African countries. The session provided an avenue to assess the progress of the first phase of the initiative and deliberate on strategies to further strengthen Nigeria’s health systems to cater equitably to persons with disabilities.
The Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative is a groundbreaking project designed to enhance access to quality healthcare, promote social inclusion, and foster empowerment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It stands as a testament to the growing recognition that equitable health and inclusive development cannot be achieved without intentional focus on the needs of persons with disabilities.
“A Bold Step Toward an Inclusive Healthcare Future”
Speaking during the meeting, Martina Onyenwe, Country Director of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Nigeria, emphasized that the Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative represents a visionary approach to bridging gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The Rosemary Collaboratory represents a bold step toward building a more inclusive healthcare system,” Onyenwe stated. “We are proud to work alongside Special Olympics Nigeria and the NCPWD to ensure that persons with intellectual disabilities are not left behind in Nigeria’s health and development agenda.”
She further explained that the initiative prioritizes early intervention, inclusive education, and empowerment as central to achieving lasting change.
“This effort is not only about healthcare access; it’s about dignity, inclusion, and sustainable empowerment,” she said. “Through the Rosemary Collaboratory, we are creating pathways for persons with intellectual disabilities to live healthy, fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
NCPWD Commends Partners for Driving Change
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, expressed profound appreciation to CHAI and Special Olympics Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to inclusive development and innovation in disability advocacy.
“We commend CHAI and Special Olympics for this timely and collaborative approach,” Chief Gufwan said. “The Commission remains fully committed to supporting this initiative and ensuring that it aligns with our national disability policy frameworks. Discrimination and civilization cannot coexist—we must work together to build a Nigeria where everyone belongs.”
He further stressed that the success of disability inclusion depends on sustained partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders across sectors.
“The Commission cannot do it alone; partnerships like this are essential for progress. Together, we can build a society where persons with disabilities enjoy full participation and access to every aspect of national life,” he added.
Strengthening Health Systems for All
The first phase of the Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative focuses on data collection, health systems strengthening, and capacity building for frontline healthcare workers, equipping them with the skills and sensitivity needed to effectively serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Experts at the meeting highlighted that lack of accurate data, inadequate training for healthcare providers, and persistent stigma remain major barriers to inclusive healthcare. The initiative, therefore, aims to close these gaps by developing models that can be replicated across Nigeria and other African countries.
Key Recommendations for Inclusive Health
Participants at the meeting outlined several key recommendations to drive inclusive health reforms and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. These include:
- Inclusive Decision-Making: Governments at all levels should ensure that persons with disabilities are represented at every decision-making table—no one should be left behind.
- Person-Centered Health Systems: Healthcare systems must prioritize care that recognizes and responds to individual needs.
- Empowerment and Mobility Support: Access to assistive devices and mobility support should be expanded to enhance independence and participation.
- Strengthened Data Systems: Robust data collection and analysis must inform policy design and resource allocation for inclusive health.
Honoring Rosemary Kennedy’s Legacy
The Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative was named in honor of Rosemary Kennedy, whose life story inspired a global movement for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with intellectual disabilities. The initiative builds on her legacy by promoting compassion, understanding, and action toward a world that celebrates the abilities of every individual.
Toward a Nigeria Where Everyone Belongs
The partnership between CHAI, Special Olympics Nigeria, and NCPWD represents more than just a health program—it is a movement for equality, dignity, and opportunity. It reaffirms a shared vision of a Nigeria where every person, regardless of disability, has access to quality healthcare, meaningful inclusion, and a life of dignity.
As the meeting concluded, stakeholders renewed their commitment to ensuring that the momentum gained through the Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative is sustained and expanded, driving Nigeria—and indeed Africa—closer to a truly inclusive health and development landscape.
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