A non- governmental organization (NGO) based in Kirindo, Mbita Sub-County has embarked on sensitizing people living with disability on their sexual reproductive and health rights.
The NGO dubbed Africa Network Development of Sustainable Economic Activity (ANDSEA) aims to empower people living with disability to lead healthy lifestyles.
Speaking Friday in a Kendu Bay hotel during a workshop, the organization’s Assistant Project Coordinator Maurine Adhiambo urged parents of children living with disabilities not to hide them at home but instead enroll them in schools for learners with special needs.
“Our target group on reproductive health is mainly women and girls who are above 18 years. We want them to know that those who are living with disability are just like any other person when it comes to reproductive health,” said Adhiambo.
Adhiambo pleaded with the community to embrace and love those who are living with disability. “These people should be loved. We should not sympathize but empathize with them. Am urging you people take care of them,” she said.
Adhiambo urged parents to treat their children who are disabled with love and care and promptly take them to hospital when they fall sick.
The official urged the government and other partners to build facilities in hospitals that are user-friendly to those with disabilities.
Grace Juma who is disabled said that the organizations trainings have empowered her to live positively despite her condition.
“I have gained a lot from the organization’s training sessions and I believe that other people have gained as well. I now know that I have sexual and reproductive health rights just like the able bodied members of the society,” she said.
