The Nigerian government has made plain its commitment to promote disability inclusion in healthcare services in the country, through actionable policy documents for implementation.
Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare revealed this on Tuesday, at the International Day of Persons With Disabilities, in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, by Alaba Balogun, the Deputy Director Information & Public Relations, Dr. Iziaq Salako said one of the key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is to achieve the disability inclusion in driving the Universal health coverage for all.
He said the health ministry has engaged in activities in ensuring persons with disabilities fairly receive quality healthcare services, as others.Represented by Dr. John Ovuoraye Director Gender, Adolescent, School Health, Elderly Division, Family Health Department, Dr. Salako said policy documents initiated by the Ministry aim to address and promote disability inclusivity across health care services in the country, a pointer to the government’s stern commitment against the grim picture of the 2022 World Report on Disability.
“The Ministry will sustain its investment in provision of quality healthcare for all, in line with the Ministerial Blue Print, the Sector Wide Approach and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative”, according to the Minister.
A critical component of these documents incude the development of National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right of Persons with Disabilities – a comprehensive strategic policy document developed by the Ministry to address the reproductive health concerns of Women and Girls with disabilities.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom mni; said the Nigerian Government aligns with the 2030 Agenda, pledging to “leave no one behind”.
“This ambitious plan of action of the international community towards a peaceful and prosperous world is based on the belief that everyone should be treated equally” the Permanent Secretary represented by Mr. Suleiman Nuhub Iki stated.
Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities ( NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan called for a unified commitment to dismantle the systemic barriers that limit the potential of persons with disabilities.
The event was attended by key stakeholders with goodwill messages by Government representatives and World Health Organization.
Donations of assistive devices such as white canes and walkers were distributed by various disability clusters.
The theme of the event is tagged “Leadership of Persons with Disabilities: A Pathway to an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”.