By Isah Danjuma Oboni
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is partnering with the Sexual and Reproductive Health for Persons With Disability (SRH4PWD) Network to ensure that Persons With Disability (PWDs) have access to sexual and reproductive healthcare among others in the country.
The Director General of the Agency, Garba Abari made this known when the network paid a visit to the NOA Headquarters in Abuja.
Abari stressed that disability is not a curse and that PWDs are humans and part of the community, adding that the issue of inclusion of PWDs in all areas of society is non-negotiable. He regretted that 3 years after the enactment of the Disability Act, Ministries, Department and Agencies on a large scale are not aware of the Act much less implementing it.
Director General of NOA, noted that the platform for awareness of the Disability Act has expanded over time with appearances on the media by the President, Albino Foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle to increase awareness and sensitize the public. Abari said the Inclusive Friends platform and many other platforms have engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the need to include and consider PWDs on issues around conduciveness of voting places, accessibility of the voting arena, extended frontiers and other aspects of the electoral process. He was particular about obstetric fistula which, he said, is more rampant among women in conflict zones and urged for awareness against stigmatization as part of peace building in conflict zones.
In her remarks, the Team Lead, SRH4PWD Network, Ambassador Betty Awala said the network was in the Agency to seek support for Disability Persons Organization (DPOs) to increase the voice of women with disability as they drive advocacy to key stakeholders that can stir the implementation of the National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of persons with disabilities, with emphasis on women and girls.
Awala said the network is committed to the promotion of the rights and access of women and girls, with special focus on access of PWDs to affordable, equitable and sustainable Sexual and Reproductive Health services. The Network, she said, also focuses on addressing the scourge of obstetric fistula and reducing preventable deaths among women and girls in Nigeria.