New platform addresses plight of disabled people

Government has put mechanisms in place to address the challenges faced by people living with disabilities in order to improve their well being, said Dr Richard Kamwi, Minister of Health and Social Services.
Speaking at the launch of the country’s first Disability Management Network, Kamwi commended the MVA Fund and the National Disability Council of Namibia for their initiative which will compliment government’s efforts.
“The MVA Fund in collaboration with the National Disability Council of Namibia initiated Namibia’s first Disability Management Network to support Namibia’s critical efforts in addressing disability management. This gathering will present an opportunity to bring together individuals who acquired or were born with various related disabilities challenges in caring environment,” he said.
Kamwi said the network will serve as an integrated management tool for both the council and the fund.
“Particular focus will be on striving to work towards the total independence of those affected as well as to sensitise communities on disability management and rehabilitation needs. The network will further play an advocacy role contributing to amendments related to legislation in order to accommodate people with disabilities,” he said.
The health minister further urged all 13 regions to get on board and become representatives of the network.
Martin Limbo, director of the National Disability Council of Namibia and co-chairperson of the Disability Management Network, said that the establishment of the network allows the institutions to benchmark and statistically account for efforts, abilities, nurturing efforts, rights and integrities of social welfare programmes of the people they serve prior during and after occurrences of disability.
“Indeed no man can ever be an island and thus this ideal shall be the auspices of our leadership style to this network, in order to ensure that people with disabilities are not left alone in running OPDs, services centres and any other entities that advocates for their rights and well being,” said Limbo.