The Deaf Women Aloud Initiative has called on the Anambra State government to train and employ sign language interpreters in health facilities to help reduce maternal mortality among deaf women. This appeal was made by Mrs. Patience Etim, Programme Officer for the initiative, during the launch and dissemination of research findings on inclusive sexual and reproductive health services for deaf women in Anambra State, held in Awka.
Presenting the research findings from the three senatorial zones in Anambra, Mrs. Etim highlighted significant gaps and challenges faced by deaf women in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. Major issues identified included the lack of access to health services and information, inadequate training of healthcare providers on handling persons with disabilities, and non-compliant hospital records that hinder effective planning and implementation.
The initiative recommended ongoing training for healthcare workers on best practices for assisting persons with disabilities and advocated for hospital records to include details on types of disabilities. This inclusion would support the government in better planning and implementing laws for inclusive health services, ultimately aiming to end the stigmatization and discrimination faced by deaf women in healthcare settings.
In her opening remarks, Hellen Beyioku-Alase, Executive Director of Deaf Women Aloud Initiative, urged the state government to adopt their recommendations to enhance the availability of interpreters, provide targeted training for health providers, and develop inclusive policies prioritizing the health and well-being of deaf women and girls.
Mrs. Ify Obinabo, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, represented by Princess Bibiana Nwankwo, assured that necessary actions would be taken to address the issues raised, promising that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would support their cause.
Dr. Uju Okoye, Coordinator of Anambra State Reproductive Health, Ministry of Health, described the programme as a welcome development and encouraged the organization to collaborate with the ministry for training healthcare workers and increasing access to sign language interpreters.
Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie, Chairman of Anambra State Disability Right Commission, expressed gratitude to the organization for its efforts in supporting the interests of deaf women and girls in Anambra.
