The Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has said that persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality healthcare services across Nigeria.
The organization noted that these challenges prevent many of them from receiving timely medical attention, thereby exposing them to greater health risks. It therefore called on governments at all levels and other stakeholders to establish policies and programmes that will ensure persons with disabilities have equitable and easier access to healthcare.
The Principal Investigator (PI) of the study, Pharm. Amadosi Esekwe of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), disclosed this while presenting the findings of the research conducted by the organization on the healthcare experiences of persons with disabilities.
She explained that the study was carried out in selected states across the country, engaging persons with disabilities, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to identify the key obstacles limiting their access to quality health services.
According to Pharm. Esekwe, the study found that the major challenges include inaccessible health facilities, inadequate assistive devices, the high cost of medical treatment and medications, a shortage of healthcare workers trained to provide disability-inclusive services, and discrimination experienced by some persons with disabilities while seeking medical care.
She noted that these barriers often discourage many from visiting hospitals until their health conditions become severe.
She further stated that the research also examined the situation of persons with disabilities living with HIV and other communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, and other infectious illnesses that require continuous medical attention.
She said many of them struggle to access testing, treatment, counselling and follow-up care due to physical barriers, inadequate support services and the absence of disability-inclusive healthcare systems.
The Kano State Team Leader, Dr. Mahdi Gambo, said the findings from Kano reflected similar challenges and underscored the urgent need for inclusive healthcare policies.
He stressed the need for government to introduce special health insurance schemes and targeted healthcare support programmes for persons with disabilities to reduce the financial burden of treatment.
He also called for the upgrading of healthcare facilities to make them physically accessible, the provision of disability-friendly equipment, and continuous training for healthcare workers on inclusive service delivery that respects the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
Dr. Gambo added that implementing these recommendations would significantly improve healthcare access for persons with disabilities, reduce preventable illnesses and deaths, and enhance their overall quality of life. He urged government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners and donor agencies to work together to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare services.
Pharm. Amadosi Esekwe emphasized that guaranteeing equal access to healthcare for persons with disabilities, including those living with HIV and other communicable diseases, is not only a matter of protecting human rights but also a critical step toward building an inclusive and resilient healthcare system capable of delivering quality services to every Nigerian.
