Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The federal government has affirmed and reiterated its commitment to promote disability inclusivity in its healthcare services through actionable policy documents for implementation.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, made this disclosure at the event marking the International Day of Persons With Disabilities at the Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations.
The theme of the ceremony was “Leadership of Persons with Disabilities: A Pathway to an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Salako stated that realizing disability inclusion in achieving universal health coverage for all is a key priority under the present administration.
The Ministry, he further explained, has deliberately initiated significant steps in ensuring persons with disabilities receive quality healthcare services on an equal basis with others .
Buttressing the stern commitment of government against the grim picture of the 2022 World Report on Disability; Dr. Salako pointed out that the Federal Ministry of Health Social & Welfare initiated policy documents to address and promote disability inclusivity across its health care services in the country.
The Honourable Minister was represented by Dr. John Ovuoraye Director Gender, Adolescent, School Health, Elderly Division, Family Health Department of the Ministry.
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, the Honourable Minister added.
To this end, Dr. Salako said:” 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”.
Speaking earlier, the 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.
In his address, the 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 graced by key stakeholders with goodwill messages by government representatives and the World Health Organization.
Highlight of the ceremony includes donation of assistive devices such as white canes and walkers, distributed by various disability clusters.
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