In a powerful move towards inclusivity, the Plan Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation) has partnered with the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disability (OYSAPD) to launch the Eliminating Multiple Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Young Girls and Women with Disabilities in Oyo State (EMBASSY) project. The Executive Director of PLAN Foundation, Mr. Obatunde Oladapo, emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize disability and inclusion in sexual and reproductive health services.
At the opening of a two-day stakeholders and consensus-building meeting in Ibadan, Mr. Oladapo revealed a staggering statistic – 16 percent of the global population with disabilities is currently excluded from essential sexual and reproductive health services. Despite the growing number of people with disabilities due to various factors such as aging, conflicts, climate change, accidents, poverty, and non-communicable diseases, there remains a significant gap in providing necessary healthcare services.
Mr. Oladapo highlighted a prevalent stereotype in Nigeria that individuals with disabilities, especially women, are not involved in sexual activities. Contrary to this misconception, he pointed out that people with disabilities, and women in particular, have even more critical sexual and reproductive health needs compared to the general population. Unfortunately, they face numerous barriers hindering access to these essential services, resulting in a denial of their sexual and reproductive health rights.
The EMBASSY project, a collaborative effort between PLAN Foundation, OYSAPD, and the state chapters of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, aims to break down these barriers. Mr. Oladapo assured that the project, in collaboration with relevant government ministries and agencies, is committed to ensuring better access to disability-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in Oyo State.
Dr. Muideen Olatunji, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, acknowledged the significant challenges faced by young girls and women with disabilities in the realm of sexual and reproductive health. He pledged the agency’s support for more inclusive, disability-friendly sexual and reproductive health services across primary healthcare facilities in the state.
Evangelist Olu Kayode, former chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Oyo State chapter, emphasized the misconception surrounding the sexual lives of persons with disabilities. He asserted that it is erroneous to assume that individuals with disabilities, especially women, do not engage in sexual activities. Kayode stressed the importance of education, information on sexual and reproductive health, and awareness of HIV status for this segment of the population.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among stakeholders of the EMBASSY project, including representatives from the media sector. This collaborative effort signifies a crucial step towards dismantling barriers and ensuring equal access to vital sexual and reproductive health services for all, regardless of ability. The PLAN Foundation and OYSAPD’s impactful collaboration sets a precedent for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the diverse needs of every individual in society.
