Isonye Foundation for Inclusive Healthcare (IFIH), in collaboration with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN)and Public Health Impact Research Centre (PHIRC) marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd 2020. The event took place at the Satellite office of the National Secretariat of MWAN, Asaba, Delta State.
The theme of the day was “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.
The Executive Director of IFIH who is also the ICT Coordinator of MWAN, Dr. Ijeoma Jane Nnodim, welcomed the participants to the event and gave a series of lectures centred on Disability-Inclusion in the Healthcare Sector.
Barrister Edirin Aruokpere, a Law Officer with the Ministry of Justice, Delta State, gave a lecture on the Legal Framework for the rights of persons with disabilities.
The National President of MWAN, Dr. Mininim Oseji, ably represented by Dr. Bobola Agbonle, the National Coordinator of MWAN gave a rousing welcome address.
She spoke on the need for health workers to be empathetic and innovative in relating with persons with disabilities.
The President-Elect of MWAN Delta, Dr. Aghogho Akpe who graced the occasion, shared her experience as an ophthalmologist in the preventive and rehabilitative care of people with visual impairments. She also highlighted the need for everyone to learn sign language and for the Ministry of Education to be involved.
Dr. Uche Okwe, National Assistant Secretary, MWAN, spoke on cases of disability detected in Primary Health Centres and had to be referred to secondary or tertiary institutions.
Dr. Bamidele Ogunfowokan, a Consultant Family Physician, Medical Director Ark Medical Centre and member of Board of Trustees Isonye Foundation was present at the event. He mentioned the need for health workers to learn sign language for better interaction with the hearing impaired.
Some of the participants with disability including Mr. Chris Paul Nwani and Anthonia Onwumeh spoke on various challenges they faced in accessing health services.
The Executive Director, Isonye Foundation for Inclusive Healthcare, Dr. Ijeoma Nnodim expresses her gratitude to everyone that made the program a success including those that provided financial support.
The foundation appreciates Dr. Mininim Oseji, National President, MWAN, Dr. Ngozi Emma-Nzekue, State President, MWAN Delta, Dr Rose Abosede, Dr. Nwabineli, Mr. Ikedi Ifediora and others too numerous to mention.
The participants also expressed their gratitude in having disability inclusion discussed at the IDPD 2020 and making the day a memorable one.