Ebonyi State, Nigeria — In a significant stride towards promoting the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls with disabilities, the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), with support from AmplifyChange, organized a one-day sensitization program in Ebonyi State. The event brought together over 160 women and girls with disabilities, providing them with essential resources and crucial health information.
The program featured the distribution of sanitary pads and food items, a vital gesture aimed at supporting the daily hygiene and nutritional needs of the participants. In addition to these distributions, the event offered free HIV and hepatitis screenings, ensuring that attendees received essential health checks. This comprehensive health service was facilitated by Mr. Andrews Chibueze, Program Manager of the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (Ebonyi-SACA), and Mrs. Geraldine Nnamene, a professional lab scientist from Enugu State.
During the event, Mr. Chibueze and Mrs. Nnamene delivered insightful health talks, emphasizing the importance of regular health screenings and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Their presentations were tailored to address the specific challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, including the need for accessible healthcare services and the availability of accurate health information.
Barr. Catherine Edeh, Executive Director of VDI, used the platform to highlight critical gaps in the healthcare system for persons with disabilities in Ebonyi State. Speaking to the media, she stressed the urgent need for the state government to enact and enforce disability rights laws. “The absence of a comprehensive disability rights law, coupled with the lack of disability support desks and sign language interpreters in government hospitals, severely limits access to quality healthcare for women and girls with disabilities,” Barr. Edeh stated. She emphasized that without these necessary legal and structural supports, the healthcare system fails to accommodate the specific needs of this vulnerable population.
Barr. Edeh’s remarks underscored a broader call to action for the government and civil society. She urged the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to prioritize the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the principle of “Leaving No One Behind.” She noted that the CRPD mandates member states to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination. This includes access to gender-sensitive health services, sexual and reproductive health, and protection from exploitation, violence, and abuse.
The event also highlighted the importance of community support and education in combating stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities. The VDI’s efforts to provide health education and essential resources were praised by attendees and health professionals alike. These initiatives not only empower women and girls with disabilities but also foster a more inclusive community that values and respects their rights.
Furthermore, the program demonstrated the critical role of partnerships and collaboration in advancing disability rights and health equity. AmplifyChange’s support was instrumental in the success of the event, showcasing the impact of international and local partnerships in driving positive change. This collaboration serves as a model for other organizations and governments to follow, emphasizing that collective efforts are needed to address the complex challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
As the event concluded, there was a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of women and girls with disabilities in Ebonyi State and beyond. The VDI pledged to keep pushing for legislative and policy changes that would secure better healthcare access and protection for persons with disabilities. This event marks a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for disability rights and inclusive healthcare in Nigeria.
The success of this sensitization program not only provides immediate benefits to the participants but also sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities. It is a call to action for all levels of government, health institutions, and civil society organizations to prioritize the needs and rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring they are fully integrated into all aspects of society.
