During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people with disabilities in Africa faced serious challenges. Access to healthcare became difficult as many clinics closed or shifted to deal with COVID-19 cases. For example, Anna Nzioka has mobility issues and struggled to reach her hospital due to lockdowns.
Tom Okwiri, who has cerebral palsy, lost his job when schools closed. He highlights that the impact of the pandemic hit low-income families the hardest. Mercy Wanjiru, a single mother, could not afford her son’s medication when she had to stop working. The community faced many obstacles and limited access to resources.
Difficult words
- access — The ability to get something or use it.
- disabled — Having a physical or mental condition that limits actions.disabilities
- impact — The effect or influence of one thing on another.
- resources — Supplies that people can use to help them.
- challenges — Difficult situations or problems to overcome.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How did the pandemic change life for people with disabilities?
- What can communities do to support people facing challenges?
- Why do you think low-income families were impacted more?
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