New CBM Project in West Africa:
Inclusive Health Care for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria
CBM’s new project in Nigeria aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare and socio-economic services for persons with disabilities. By putting legal safeguards into action and fostering inclusive communities, CBM envisions an empowered future for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
CBM, the Christian Blind Mission, has launched the project "Bold Actions to Strengthen Inclusive Care in Communities" (BASICC) in Nigeria. As part of CBM's Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) initiatives, BASICC aims to provide equal access to quality health care and socio-economic services for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
Startling statistics from the 2018 Nigeria National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) show that an estimated 7% of household members over the age of 5 and 9% of those over the age of 60 have some form of difficulty in essential functional areas such as hearing, seeing, walking, communication, cognition or self-care. 1% of these people can no longer function in any of these areas. On a global level, the World Health Organization's World Report on Disability 2011 estimates that about 15% of the world's population lives with some degree of disability.
To help persons with disabilities, the Nigerian government enacted a law called The Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in 2022. It aims to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Putting the law into action
The BASICC project that will be carried out until December 2025, aims to ensure, through strategic engagements and partnerships, that this Act is translated into action, particularly in the area of health care and support for persons with disabilities. To achieve this, CBM is working with 4 partners. These are Heart of Hope International Ministry and Centre for Gospel Health and Development (CeGHaD) in Plateau State, Learning through skills acquisition initiative (LETSAI) in Borno State and the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) in Abuja FCT.
Strengthening inclusive communities
Group picture of BASICC CBID project kick-off workshop in Nigeria.
CBM
The project aims to empower communities to become more inclusive and ensure that persons with disabilities have access to good jobs and services. It also aims to improve access to health care at community level. By improving access to key community-based services, including health facilities, the project aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Omoi Ozovehe Samuel, CBM Programme Manager, stressed the importance of understanding the objectives and expectations of the project. He encouraged a free flow of ideas and open communication among partners to promote joint and innovative problem-solving during project implementation.
A bright future ahead
CBM remains committed to bringing about positive change for persons with disabilities in Nigeria through the BASICC project and other impactful CBID initiatives. The continued development of the project will undoubtedly pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered community for all.