Report calls for focus on disabled living with HIV

by Mangoa Mosota

A unique method for fighting HIV and Aids among the deaf has been identified in a new report by a Canadian health organisation.

The report by International Affairs Directorate has called for a greater focus on rights of people with disabilities in HIV policies.

The organisation cites HIV and Aids screening provision among the deaf by their peers.

Kenya established three stand-alone clinics for deaf people to increase access to marginalised groups five years ago.

All staffs are deaf, providing testing to their peers, so no interpretation is required.

The clinics have now expanded to serve persons with other disabilities, with interpretation provided.

The deaf staff members are part of the larger staff team, serving as resources for advice.

Titled, "HIV/Aids and Disability: Final Report of the 4th International Policy Dialogue", it calls for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to become a catalyst for change.

Active participants

"This is by shifting the disability discourse from charity-based or medical-based to a rights-based approach," states the report, posted on the UNAids website, on Thursday.

It adds that this approach views people with disabilities as active participants in society, ensuring their wellbeing rather than treating them as passive recipients of charitable goodwill. The report recommends the involvement of stakeholders in helping CRPD become a tool for change.

These stakeholders include World Health Organisation, United Nations Children Fund, UNAids, national governments, ministries and civil society organisations working in areas of disability and HIV and Aids.

There is a double stigma experienced by people living with HIV and Aids and disability.

The report further calls for service providers in the HIV and Aids response to be sensitised on how to interact with people with disabilities.

 

 

Read all about: Aids Kenya

 

 

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