By Bassey Bassey
Calabar
As part of deliberate efforts aimed at addressing communication gaps, enhancing access to health services and justice for persons with speech and hearing impairment, GPI under the Welead Project has unveiled a Nigeria sign language glossary on sexual and reproductive health and rights n Cross River state.
The initiative, implemented by Girls Power Initiative is also intended to equip various stakeholders with rudimentary sign language skills for ease of communication especially within the health, security and justice sector.
Welcoming stakeholders to the dissemination meeting, the Head of Programmes Girls, Power Initiative Ndodeye Bassey-Obongha revealed that the glossary became imperative “To enhance access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health information by persons with hearing and speech impairment”
According to her”After critical evaluation showcased that optimum access and utilization of SPHR information and services in all health facilities across the state was being impeded by the lack of sign language support system.
“In pursuant of the principle of inclusion which entails leave no one behind and equality as the core values of both Welead Project and GPI,we needed to urgently address the challenge, hence the production of a sign language glossary on SRHR and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) as a timely response “.
She expressed optimism that the glossary will promote effective communication and checkmate misrepresentation often experienced in the hands of security operatives especially the police by those with speech and hearing loss lamented that the scenarios have regularly resulted in miscarriage of justice
Bassey-Obongha applauded groups and individuals who worked tirelessly during the training and production process attributing the success of the project to their immense contributions and cooperation.
In his foreword, the Cross River state Commissioner for Health,Dr Henry Ayuk noted that “The glossary will,no doubt serve as a significant catalyst in bridging the existing communication gaps people with disabilities face when accessing healthcare.
Ayuk opined that “The book is particularly important because effective communication between healthcare professionals and their patients is crucial to providing high -quality healthcare which is the hallmark of the state government health policy agenda”
He disclosed that the Otu-led administration is poised to providing quality, accessible, efficient and patient-based care for the citizenry, including those with disabilities, hence the need for robust partnership with critical stakeholders to guarantee attainment of set targets.
Responding, the chairperson, Cross River state chapter of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers,Dr Esther Uzoh expressed delight over the development capable of upscaling fruitful communication to achieve desired results.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Justice,Women Affairs, Traditional leaders as well as other major players in the SRHR and gender advocacy space.
