Thika MP asks government to include persons with disabilities in COVID-19 response
While speaking at Mitero Social Hall in Mang'u Ward, Gatundu North
Sub-County where he distributed 20 wheelchairs to physically challenged
persons, Wainaina said that their dependence on other people for daily living
exposed them more to the virus.
“Most of these people require high support for all of their daily
activities but the COVID-19 pandemic has left some of them at home and with no
assistance. They are at increased risk due to the need for close contact with
caregivers, as well as an increased risk of infection and complications due to
underlying health conditions,” he said.
He appealed to the Ministry of
Health to address the specific needs of persons living with disabilities to
maintain their health, safety, dignity and independence in the community
throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
“It is very important for the Ministry of Health to include persons with
disabilities in COVID-19 response. They need to engage organisations of persons
with disabilities and networks in decision-making,” he insisted.
Jungle Afya Team donated the wheelchairs in partnership with Bethany
Kids.
They also distributed foodstuffs and facemasks to the over 200 needy
families giving hope to carry on during this hard times.
Jungle Afya is a department of Jungle Foundation that deals with issues
to do with health among the most vulnerable in the society.
“Today’s activity (giving out wheelchairs) is just one of the chore activities of Jungle Afya. Our activities run across the country and as you can recall, we recently donated a wheel chair to the family of Teresiah Wakinyua (benjú ÃgÃrÃ) and James Mwangi (benjú na raba) of the viral 'Mukamo' video who hail from Kwa Nganga village in Nyandarua County,” he said.
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