BY TEWODROS KASSA
For the past years, peoples with some kind of limitations have been facing numerous challenges regarding accessing socio-economic services due to various bottlenecks in Ethiopia. The lack of effective and efficient facilities that are environmental to the disabilities, public awareness to the issue, lower attention given to the matter, among others exacerbated the problems that they have been facing in their daily life.
However, the Ethiopian government has given due priority to such problems and has shown a remarkable achievements to enable the disabilities and creating a suitable environment to them though it is not enough.
Recently, in her message in connection with the World Down Syndrome Day that is being marked today (on 21st March 2023), President Sahlework Zewde stated that segments of communities living with down syndrome should be given special opportunities.
According to President Sahlework, mental retardation is an underlying social problem that needs due emphasis from all stakeholders.
She pointed out that the society should understand the extent of this problem, and provide these vulnerable segments of the community with the necessary opportunities
On her part, Minister of Health, Lia Tadesse (MD), reaffirmed the commitment of her institution to continue providing better services to citizens living with Down Syndrome health problems.
The founder of Deborah Foundation, Abadula Gemeda, said that citizens with intellectual disabilities are just as useful to their country as any other able bodied citizens.
Deborah Foundation is committed to finding ways to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down Syndrome by promoting their rights to live with health and dignity as valued and full citizens within the society.
On the other hand, various civil societies, philanthropic citizens, among others are organizing various centres to easing the life of intellectual disability.
Fikir Ethiopia National Association on Intellectual Disability is among the leading associations that have been working in the area through supporting the needy and mobilizing the society to strive for a better future that accommodates Down Syndrome citizens.
The Association underlined the need to embrace a holistic approach to allow people with intellectual disabilities to equally benefit and be involved in various aspects.
Briefing media practitioners in connection with the celebration of the World Down Syndrome Day, Fikir Ethiopia National Association on Intellectual Disability President, Mihret Nigusie said the association is working hard to get these segments of the society benefited.
Persons with Disabilities Affairs CEO within the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Aselefew Ahmedin mentioned that once inclusion is ensured, people with intellectual disabilities would be able to be educated, employed, and form a family of their own. In this regard, the government, and concerned bodies including the society need to take a leading role in paving the way to economic and social benefit as well as involve them in various aspects.
As part of the celebration, the Fikir Ethiopia National Association on Intellectual Disability together with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs carried out various activities to raise peoples’ awareness regarding the issuer. The President also stated that Ethiopia will mark the 8th Down Syndrome Day under the theme ‘With Us Not For Us’, by carrying out several activities.
“Celebrating the day would be significant to educate the society, as well as ensure the rights of people with Down Syndrome. More importantly, it would open doors for the people with intellectual disability to speak for themselves. According to WHO, over 3% of the world population is faced with intellectual disability while an estimated five million citizens in Ethiopia are people in this category.”
As to her, apart from the unfavorable conditions they are facing, these segments of the society are at high risk of sexual and physical abuse. In order to address such a daunting challenge, sensitizing programs are amongst the major objectives of the day as well as a core aspect of the association. It is known that Down Syndrome refers to a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome. World Down Syndrome day is being marked today, March 21 for the 12th and 8th times globally and in Ethiopia respectively.
The Day has also been marked with an event organized by the Deborah Foundation at Friendship Park.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2023
