18:01:29In a significant development for the Deaf community, the Deaf Women Aloud Initiative (DWAI) has achieved a major advocacy victory through its Inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health project in Taraba State.
The Jalingo Local Government Area is now a beacon of inclusion, thanks to the commitment of Executive Chairman Dr. Aminu Hassan.
As part of this initiative, a Sign Language Interpreter has been employed and assigned to the Nukkai Primary Health Center, ensuring that Deaf women can now access essential sexual and reproductive health services without the barriers they previously faced.
The success of this initiative was marked by an introductory meeting at the Nukkai Primary Health Center, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the importance of inclusive healthcare for Deaf individuals. Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff of the Local Government, the Councillor of Health, Mr. Bashir Yakubu, and Mrs. Jessica Caleb David, the head of healthcare services at the center. Their involvement and dedication were crucial in ensuring that the healthcare needs of Deaf women in Jalingo would be met with professionalism and sensitivity.
A critical feature of this initiative is the designation of Wednesdays as the dedicated day for Deaf individuals to visit the clinic. This structured approach not only provides a specialized day for them to receive care but also ensures that the necessary healthcare staff, including the Sign Language Interpreter, are present to offer seamless communication and treatment. The decision to allocate a specific day for the Deaf community highlights the commitment to delivering quality and accessible healthcare services.
In addition to sexual and reproductive health services, the Nukkai Primary Health Center will offer a range of medical services on Wednesdays, including drug distribution and immunization. This holistic approach ensures that Deaf women receive comprehensive healthcare tailored to their needs. By making these services available and accessible, the clinic is empowering Deaf individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, which is a major step forward in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the Deaf community.
This milestone sets a precedent for other regions to follow. By breaking down communication barriers and fostering an inclusive healthcare environment, Taraba State is paving the way for improved health outcomes for Deaf women. The employment of a Sign Language Interpreter at the Nukkai Primary Health Center is not only a victory for DWAI’s advocacy efforts but also a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when leadership, vision, and community action come together to address the needs of marginalized populations.
The project was supported by Disability Rights Funds (DRAF Holding Rights, Leading for Rights” funding stream), a U.S. Government funded project aimed at advancing the rights of women with disabilities in West Africa