In a groundbreaking move toward inclusivity and equity in healthcare, the Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) and Stop TB Partnership Kenya have unveiled the first-ever braille Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on tuberculosis (TB).
According to KUB and Stop TB partnership Kenya, the initiative aims to empower visually impaired individuals with critical knowledge about TB and HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Chomba Munyi, Chairman of KUB, emphasized the significance of this milestone, describing it as a step toward transformative change in healthcare.
“The launch of braille information, education, and communication materials is a step toward inclusion and equity. It recognizes the leadership and agency of persons with disabilities in driving transformative change in healthcare, particularly in the fight against TB and HIV,” Dr. Munyi stated.
Dr Munyi observed that Persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, face heightened vulnerabilities to diseases like TB and HIV.
He said that barriers such as limited access to information, stigma, and inequitable healthcare systems disproportionately expose them to TB infection while impeding timely access to care, adding that,” The intersection of TB and HIV exacerbates these challenges, often leaving persons with disabilities without adequate support.”
The braille IEC materials aim to address these gaps by equipping visually impaired individuals with tools to safeguard themselves and their communities, he further explained.
“These materials represent a significant intervention in addressing these gaps. They amplify the voices and leadership of visually impaired persons in the fight against TB,” added Dr. Munyi.
Dr. Munyi urged the government, stakeholders, and partners to prioritize disability inclusion in TB and HIV programs. He emphasized the importance of embedding disability-sensitive policies in Kenya’s healthcare system.
“Disability inclusion in TB and HIV programs cannot be a token gesture; it must be a cornerstone of our healthcare systems. I urge the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health, to ensure healthcare services are physically and socially accessible and equip healthcare workers with the skills to provide disability-sensitive care,” he said.
Dr. Munyi also called for increased funding for disability-inclusive interventions.
“Inclusion requires investment. I call on the government, development partners, and the private sector to increase funding for disability-inclusive TB and HIV programs. Adequate resources are essential for scaling up initiatives like this one and ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind.”
Dr. Munyi underscored the importance of partnerships in promoting health inclusivity, citing the success of this initiative as a testament to collaborative efforts.
“I call upon civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and the private sector to collaborate with disability organizations to promote inclusivity in health interventions,” he stated.
Everline Kibuchi, Coordinator of Stop TB Partnership Kenya, emphasized the importance of data and policy reforms to support persons with disabilities.
“The government must collect data on persons with disabilities to inform policies, engage them in policymaking, and fully implement disability-related policies,” Kibuchi stated.
She highlighted the stigma and discrimination that persons with disabilities face, which serve as significant barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services.
“Persons living with disabilities systematically face economic and social disadvantages due to poor access to many services available to able-bodied people. These challenges often result in unhealthy lifestyles and poor mental health, creating a cycle of poor health,” Kibuchi said.
She further noted that impairments linked to TB, especially drug-resistant TB, often lead to chronic disabilities.
“There is increasing evidence of disabilities associated with TB, including chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, and malnutrition. Access to materials and devices is crucial for persons living with disabilities to overcome these constraints,” Kibuchi added.
