By Mutuvi Janet
Kisumu Woman Representative, Ruth Odinga has called on the government to provide comprehensive medical cover to children with disabilities.
Speaking during the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day at Joyland Special Primary school, Ms. Odinga noted that according to the country’s 2019 census, 2.2 per cent of Kenyans lived with a form of disability.
However, she said that children should be given comprehensive care by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to address their needs in hospitals because it seems nobody bothered about them.
“I am urging the government to ensure that children with special needs are taken care of by giving them medical cover from birth to secondary school. Most children with special needs are suffering silently because their parents, guardians or relatives cannot afford medical expenses,” she said.
She added: “The government should furnish the children with diapers and other essential products which will make their lives comfortable. It should also ensure that all their benefits reach them on time.”
Ms. Odinga further urged parents, guardians and relatives to end stigmatization of children with disabilities and instead educate them to enable them achieve their dreams.
“Such children should not be denied the chance to shine in education. They should be taken to school instead of hiding them. School will help to nurture them and boost their morale,“ she said.
She promised to form a partnership which will facilitate and support research to acquire correct data on people living with disabilities for easy monitoring and provision of support.
