In a renewed demonstration of its commitment to the health and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has successfully carried out a medical outreach in Abuja, treating over 150 persons with disabilities, including children, with various health conditions.
The outreach, held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, took place in Karonmajiji, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and was implemented with the support of the Commission’s development partners, including The Leprosy Mission (TLM), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), CBM, and Sightsavers.
Beneficiaries received medical consultations, treatments, and referrals for health conditions that pose serious threats to their well-being and livelihood, particularly for individuals who often face barriers in accessing quality healthcare.
Health as a Foundation for Inclusion
Speaking during the outreach, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, represented by the Director of Social Integration, Mr. Lawrence Edelifo Idemudia, said the initiative was designed to address some of the pressing health challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
According to him, the Commission recognises that good health is fundamental to productivity, independence, and social inclusion, noting that many persons with disabilities struggle with untreated health conditions due to poverty, stigma, and inaccessible healthcare services.
“Without good health, productivity is severely hampered. The Commission is deeply concerned about the overall health conditions of persons with disabilities, which is why this medical outreach is a priority intervention,” he stated.
Towards a Broader Medical Programme
Hon. Gufwan disclosed that the outreach was a pilot intervention, adding that plans were underway to roll out a more comprehensive and inclusive medical programme that would reach a larger number of persons with disabilities across the country.
He urged beneficiaries to cooperate fully with the medical personnel to ensure the success of the pilot phase, stressing that its outcome would guide the design and expansion of future health interventions for the disability community.
“This pilot programme will help us scale up medical services to accommodate a broader spectrum of persons with disabilities nationwide,” he assured.
Community Leaders Applaud NCPWD’s Commitment
Community leaders and disability representatives present at the outreach expressed deep appreciation to the Commission for prioritising the health needs of persons with disabilities.
The Sarkin Guragu of FCT, Alhaji Muhammed Suleiman Katsina, speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities in Abuja, described the initiative as timely and impactful.
“This exercise, among other initiatives by the Commission, has once again shown that NCPWD is genuinely committed to the welfare and dignity of persons with disabilities,” he said.
Similarly, the Chief of the Blind, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Alhaji Bala Jibrin, commended the Commission for addressing health concerns that are often overlooked.
“For the Commission to be concerned about our health, even before illnesses become severe, is a clear demonstration of genuine care and love for vulnerable groups in society,” he noted.
Strengthening Disability-Inclusive Healthcare
The outreach was supervised by the Department of Social Integration of the Commission, reinforcing NCPWD’s mandate to promote disability-inclusive social services and equitable access to healthcare.
As Nigeria continues to push for inclusive development, stakeholders at the event emphasized that initiatives such as this medical outreach are critical to reducing health inequalities and improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
For many beneficiaries, the intervention was more than a medical exercise—it was a reaffirmation that persons with disabilities matter, and their health is a national priority.
