By Richard Muhambe (KNA)
Parents of children 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 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 with a visual disability applauded the efforts of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in assisting residents with disabilities. She also urged the county government to strengthen its collaboration with NGOs to further enhance its support for the disabled community.
Ms. Cheptum of Chepololek Self Help Group in Talau said unlike before, 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 disabilities. 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 disabilities were among those 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.