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Some of the Journalists after the training
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By Edson Kinene
Communicators have been urged to use respectful and recommended language that does not promote stigmatization or discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs), in order to foster unity, harmony, and inclusive development. The call was made by Ndyowaawe Aaron, Program Administrator of the OURS Program at Ruharo Mission Hospital, Ankole Diocese, and also an Occupational Physiotherapist, during a one-day training for journalists from Southwestern Uganda.
He emphasized the crucial role of communicators, particularly the media fraternity, in combating stigma and discrimination while promoting disability inclusiveness within communities.
The training was organized nationwide by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda (SHAU), an umbrella body for persons living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Uganda.
Training
Ndyowaawe challenged journalists to deliver effective messages that guide parents and communities on how to care for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus without segregation, stressing that all human beings deserve equal access to rights and opportunities.
He further appealed to government to allocate funds for quality healthcare services for children living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and other disabilities.
“A single surgery for spina bifida costs over five million shillings. This is not budgeted for either by local governments or the central government, yet such services are critical in saving lives,” he said.
Spina bifida and hydrocephalus remain widespread conditions in Western Uganda and other parts of the country. The Organized Useful Rehabilitation Services (OURS) Centre in Ruharo, Mbarara, is one of the key rehabilitation facilities for children with these conditions, receiving more than 60 children annually.
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