People living with disability lack support, says an official

MORE than 1,500 persons with disabilities (PWD) in Port Moresby are without the support they need since state of emergency (SOE) was declared three weeks ago, an official says.
Cheshire Disability Services Papua New Guinea general manager Bernard Ayieko said these PWDs, including children, were supported through the organisation’s community-based rehabilitation and healthcare programmes.
He said since the SOE, the centre had struggled with providing the level of care – physical therapy and nursing care – for its PWDs.
He said having PWDs as residents of the Cheshire Home required 24-hour care and this was challenging with just 17 staff.
“It’s a big challenge for Cheshire Home,” he said.
“All we need is for the Government and other partners to come and support them (PWDs).”
Ayieko said it was important for families of PWDs to be trained to provide proper care for their loved ones in order to protect their health and ensure a quality life.
“We have actually written a letter to the Government to help us with funding as part of the essential service providers but have not gotten much support.”
Ayieko said the Cheshire Homes was hopeful the state could provide waivers on power and water supply to the centre and other support.