Diabled vulnerable

By ANDREW ALPHONSE
PEOPLE with Disabilities (PWDs) are more vulnerable to HIV infection than their normal people.
Moses Kamba, a Ugandan volunteer under the auspices of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), said this yesterday during a week-long workshop on HIV/AIDS for PWDs currently underway at Fatima outside Mount Hagen.
Mr Kamba said despite their vulnerability, PWDs had not been included in HIV-prevention programmes, more so in the Western Highlands province.
He said while some disabled persons were wheelchair bound and could see, hear and read, there were those who were blind and deaf.
Mr Kamba said in such situations, it became difficult and challenging for HIV prevention and care messages to reach through.
Up to 25 community-based rehabilitation workers in the province are undergoing training to fight HIV spread among PWDs.
Through the programme, Mr Kamba is confident that they will be able to reach all disabled people within their communities with HIV prevention, care and support services.
“The trainees are going to be very important resource and referral agents,” he said.
“We intend to work hand in hand with our friends with disabilities in coming up with the best strategies to address their HIV-related needs.”
Callan Services for Disabled Persons is supporting this training in partnership with VSO, Western Highlands AIDS council, and Anglicare.

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