Parents urged against stigmatizing their children who live with disabilities

Kapenguria,

Thursday, November 23, 2023

KNA by Richard Muhambe

Parents whose children are living with any form of disabilities have been urged to visit medical facilities for help instead of hiding them at home.

Dr. Kenneth Kirui, an eye specialist at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, speaking during a sensitization forum in Kapenguria Town on Wednesday, said some parents are still exposing their children to social stigma because of some beliefs.

“People living with disabilities are normal human beings and they deserve treatment. We should seek medical attention in our health facilities with specialized treatment,” urged Dr. Kirui.

Ms. Emily Cheptum a participant and a victim of visual impairment lauded the efforts being made by Non-Governmental Organisations calling on the county government to scale up their collaboration with them more in helping residents fight disabilities.

Ms. Cheptum of Chepololek Self Help Group in Talau said unlike before, people who persons with disabilities had been sidelined and lacked information on how they could seek help.

“We are proud of what Fred Hollows Foundation has been doing in West Pokot County for persons with visual impairments. They have been organizing for eye specialists to do home visits of victims and train us on how to take care of our eyes,” she stated.

She acknowledged that sensitization forums were critical in helping residents prevent some of the eye defects within the region.

Charles Adokes argued that persons with visual impairments were among those who were among the most neglected in society. Still, there are initiatives that are being put in place to ensure they are recognized.

Fred Hollows Foundation, an NGO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health has been conducting awareness programs on eye care and avoidable blindness within the county.

Courtesy; KNA