COVID-19 pandemic has put the world into the experience of unprecedented demand for individuals to play greater roles in protecting their health. This demand includes persons with Disabilities especially women with Disabilities in Nigeria.
As it has been established by the World Health Organisation (WHO), persons with disabilities are at greater risk of infection from COVID-19 due to a number of issues ranging from barriers in accessing information concerning prevention and hygiene and the impact of measures put in place to curb the spread. Women with Disabilities face a heightened risk which is why interventions should be inclusive and equally accessible to them.
In view of the above, FAECARE Foundation, an organization that is dedicated towards advocating for the rights of women with disabilities in her intervention strategy on COVID-19 RELIEF AND PREVENTION CAMPAIGN focused on persons with Disabilities especially women with Disabilities.
FAECARE Foundation starting from 22nd April, 2020 embarked on providing COVID-19 Relief and Prevention Packages for Women with Disabilities in some local Government areas in Rivers and Akwa Ibom State (South-South, Nigeria).
Prevention packages for women with Disabilities containing hygiene products and items that can be used to carry out all recommended preventive measures and food palliative packages to persons with Disabilities especially women with Disabilities.
Some of the visited communities are Abua/Odual, Onne, Eleme, Ogugbolo, Obio Akpor, Ozuoba, Borokiri, Obot Akara, Uyo, Ibesikpo and the exercise have lasted for two weeks and it is still ongoing.
With the support of their Partners, they have succeeded in reaching out to over 100 Women with Disabilities in this Ongoing effort to reduce the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
In doing this, the organization’ adopted preventive measures and applied distribution system such as Door to door delivery and well cordinated dispatch riding.
In the article of the UNCRPD, article 11, it says that State Parties shall take, in accordance with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters.
A beneficiary 
The Executive Director of FAECARE Foundation, Ndifreke (Freky) Andrew-Essien, encourages all levels of Government and leaders at the grassroots, other civil society Organisation’s, faith based organisations and well meaning individuals to be inclusive in all necessary measures provided to protect persons with Disabilities in situations of risk like this COVID-19 pandemic. Neglect on the grounds of disability are inadmissible.
“Remember Coronavirus Anywhere is a Threat to Everyone”
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