The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected families with disabilities across Africa, exacerbating existing challenges in accessing healthcare and support. For instance, Anna Nzioka, who suffered a leg injury, found it increasingly difficult to travel to get medical assistance. She faced both transport barriers and financial costs, highlighting the challenges many disabled individuals encounter.
Tom Okwiri, who has cerebral palsy, lost his job as schools closed and subsequently struggled during the pandemic due to limited income and the inability to access essential services. Mercy Wanjiru's situation also showcases the hardships faced; she couldn't afford her son's medication after losing her job. In many cities, the pandemic’s mitigation measures deepened existing inequalities.
Efforts to improve healthcare access during this critical time must consider the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals. Community outreach and tailored assistance can help ensure that essential services reach those most in need, promoting a more inclusive approach post-pandemic.
Difficult words
- exacerbate — To make a problem worse or more severe.exacerbating
- barrier — Something that stops or makes it hard to do something.barriers
- hardship — A situation that causes difficulty or suffering.hardships
- mitigation — Actions taken to reduce the severity of something.
- inclusive — Including all types of people; not excluding anyone.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are some other barriers that disabled individuals may face?
- How can communities better support families with disabilities?
- What role does financial support play in improving access to healthcare?
- Why is it important to have inclusive approaches after the pandemic?
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