Nairobi: Health professionals, caregivers, faith leaders, and community organizations have called for a coordinated, medically led, and rights-based approach to disability management, warning that stigma, delayed intervention, and inadequate caregiver support continue to undermine the wellbeing of Persons Living with Disabilities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the call was made during Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Day celebrations and an early Christmas event held at Reformed Baptist Church, along the Brooke-Kericho Road. The forum brought together children with disabilities and their caregivers for psychosocial support, medical sensitization, and community engagement, with the children enjoying recreational activities, including trampolines and bouncing castles, as part of holistic care.
From a medical perspective, Ministry of Health physiotherapist Dr. Milka Wachuma emphasized that disability should be addressed as a public health issue, requiring early diagnosis, professional assessment, and continuous rehabilitation, rather than ad-hoc charitable responses. Wachuma highlighted that disability remains highly stigmatized in communities, leading families to hide their children instead of seeking medical attention.
The Ministry of Health used the Kericho Forum to sensitize families on the constitutional and health rights of persons with disabilities, while also registering individuals with special needs to prioritize them for medication, rehabilitation services, and appropriate assistive equipment. Wachuma cautioned donors and well-wishers against distributing assistive devices without medical input, warning of potential harm from ill-fitting equipment.
Caregivers at the event shared their experiences, with Rahab Karemi detailing the emotional, physical, and financial strains they face. She emphasized the need for support systems, as caregivers often have little or no source of income. Karemi also highlighted the social stigma and psychological stress faced by caregivers and urged families to register persons with disabilities to access necessary support.
Paulina Keno, Founder of ‘Arise and Shine’ Community-Based Organization, provided organizational context, noting the initiative’s foundation in 2023 to address the growing needs of families caring for Persons With Disabilities. The early Christmas celebration aimed to promote inclusion and dignity, with Keno appealing to national and county governments to strengthen support for these families.
Faith leaders also stressed the abandonment of harmful cultural beliefs surrounding disability. Pastor Sam Oluoch of Reformed Baptist Church, Nairobi, urged society to embrace informed and compassionate support, guided by professional advice.
Ministry of Health data indicate that early screening, skilled birth attendance, and full childhood immunization can prevent or significantly reduce up to one-third of disability cases. Stakeholders called for strengthened community-level screening, routine registration of Persons with disabilities, expanded access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, and closer collaboration between government, medical professionals, and community organizations.
