The Federal Government has revealed that 25% of Nigeria’s population lives with some form of disability.
Dr. Iziak Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Monday during the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in Abuja.
This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” spotlighted the importance of empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) for national development.
Statistics presented during the event showed that 29% of Africa’s 84 million persons with disabilities reside in Nigeria, with over half of Nigeria’s 25 million PWDs being women. Additionally, 3.6% of the population experiences chronic conditions that significantly impact their daily lives.
Dr. Salako stressed the importance of integrating disability-inclusive policies into health systems. He highlighted initiatives like the National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women and Girls with Disabilities and the National Steering Committee on Disability-Inclusive Healthcare as steps toward universal health coverage and social equity.
The celebration concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to eliminating stigma, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring that the voices of PWDs are included in shaping a sustainable and inclusive society.
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