NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has taken a transformative step toward inclusive healthcare by launching tuberculosis (TB) information, education, and communication (IEC) materials in braille.
This initiative, unveiled on Tuesday to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, aligns with this year’s theme: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
The program, driven by the Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) with support from Stop TB Partnership Kenya and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), highlights the urgent need for accessible healthcare services to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against TB and HIV.
The challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accessing healthcare took center stage during the launch.
Evaline Kibuchi, Chief National Coordinator of Stop TB Partnership Kenya, stressed that many PWDs encounter barriers ranging from limited physical accessibility to geographic isolation.
These hurdles disproportionately affect those with mobility impairments, leaving public health facilities out of reach for many.
Adding to this, Dr. Chomba Munyi, Chairman of KUB, noted the unique vulnerabilities faced by visually impaired individuals.
“Barriers to information, stigma, and inequitable healthcare systems expose persons with disabilities to heightened risks of TB infection and delayed care,” he explained.
The intersection of TB and HIV further exacerbates these challenges, underscoring the need for disability-sensitive approaches in healthcare.
The introduction of braille IEC materials is a pivotal step in bridging the information gap for visually impaired individuals.
Dr. Chomba celebrated the launch, stating, “Today, we take a step toward inclusion and equity, recognizing the leadership and agency of persons with disabilities in transformative healthcare change.”
Both Kibuchi and Dr. Chomba called for stronger policy frameworks and investments to support PWDs. They emphasized the importance of training healthcare workers in braille and sign language to improve communication and provide better care.
By making TB information accessible to visually impaired persons, Kenya is empowering individuals to make informed health decisions, strengthening the collective fight against TB and HIV.
