By Lady (Barr.) Chinyere Usen
Sir: Governments are taking unprecedented measures to limit the spread of the rampaging coronavirus. They are ramping up health system responses and announcing movement restrictions affecting millions. Even the Central Bank of Nigeria is doling out funds for combating the crisis, but despite these efforts, policymakers must not lose sight of the vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities (PWDs) which have been exacerbated by the crisis.
COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that has rapidly spread around the world since it was discovered late last year, appears most deadly among elderly populations and people with pre-existing medical conditions including PWDs.
Accurate and complete disability – disaggregated data are still needed to understand whether and how PWDs experience infection, complication and death risks differently. It is clear that PWDs face a variety of risk factors that must urgently be addressed especially with the death of a Chinese teenager with cerebral palsy who has died after his dad and brother were quarantined for coronavirus checks. He was left without food, drink or personal hygiene care for nearly a week. As we mourn Cheng’s life, we are confronted with the dangerous reality for everyone who requires personal assistance, especially the PWDs.
A new guideline which should cover how PWDs will be protected in crisis situations as this is required as it affects PWDs differently. Pandemics make existing exclusion and inequalities for PWDs worse, and can impact how they receive treatment and care. PWDs may face heightened risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their disadvantaged position health-wise and access to health-care and social services.
Risks to PWDs also increase if health systems divert resources to combating the pandemonium without adequate provisions for the PWDs. Already, countries have seen health systems forced to allocate resources towards critical care services and away from other areas of care like the provisions and care for PWDs.
It is a particularly worrisome for PWDs especially from poor homes who need to keep safe by providing sanitizers and immune boosting drugs as well as good nutrition to keep safe at this time. Physically challenged persons who crawl on the ground due to lack of movement facilities stand the risk of contacting viruses. Also, the disabled persons loitering around the streets begging for alms stand the risk of contacting the virus through the exchange of monies being handed over to them as alms. With the impending lock-down of activities, PWDs who depend on daily activities to feed will invariably go hungry If there should be an explosion of the decease, the tendency for the PWDs to be given urgent attention is limited as the stigmatization that already exists will inform the attitude of health workers to treat able bodied patients more and faster than the PWDs who might be considered a liability to the state and society. .
Though there has not been any known reported case of COVID-19 among the PWDs, there is no denial that they are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or present with different symptoms. It is important to ensure that all PWDs with a suspected, probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection continue to have access to the full range of quality health care as other citizens (if any).
PWDs must be treated with the utmost priority due to increased risk of adverse outcomes. The pandemic has also given rise to threats that extend beyond the risk of infection. Evidence from previous disease outbreaks reveals that PWDs face different vulnerabilities. Today, as families face heightened tensions, financial uncertainties and other pressures, PWDs face intensified vulnerabilities.
I therefore, urge policymakers to include PWDs perspectives in pandemic planning and decision-making. Health systems are also urged to be prepared to provide essential support to PWDs at this time and in all crisis situations.
In addition to advocating for PWDs-sensitive responses, the government should provide material support to PWDs at this time. Items like personal protective materials, masks, disinfectants and gloves, aprons, face shields, long-sleeve gowns/dresses and shirts, eye goggles etc. should be distributed to the PWDs free of charge.
- Lady (Barr.) Chinyere Usen, chichi_ekereusen@yahoo.com
Leave a Reply