By Joy Odor
The Federal Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to making assistive technology (AT) accessible, safe, and affordable for over 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
This declaration was made during a high-level stakeholders meeting in Abuja to mark the 2nd World Day for Assistive Technology On Wednesday, with the theme “Unlock the Everyday: Empowering Lives, Enhancing Inclusion.”
Dr. Okolo Oteri Eme, National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear, and Sensory Functions Programme, emphasized that AT is a human right and a condition for equal opportunity and participation.
She highlighted the importance of AT in unlocking independence, mobility, communication, education, and productivity for persons with disabilities.
The Ministry is working to roll out AT devices, including spectacles and hearing aids, to vulnerable populations nationwide through the Renewed Hope Outreach Connect Initiative.
Dr. Eme noted that collective effort is necessary to scale AT access, and the meeting drew inputs from across sectors, including development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and affected communities.
“There are 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities,” she said. “No single entity can shoulder this alone. That’s why we’re bringing in development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and affected communities themselves. We’re taking it one step at a time one bite at a time, but with collective effort, we will scale.”
Key takeaways from the meeting include:
– The need for increased awareness and public education on AT
– The importance of mainstreaming AT into healthcare and society
– The need for strong advocacy and funding to make AT devices more accessible
– The importance of including persons with disabilities in policy dialogue
The meeting resolved to consolidate stakeholder recommendations into concrete action points to guide future policy and public health interventions aimed at scaling AT access nationwide.
Together,” Dr. Eme concluded, “we can build an inclusive Nigeria where every citizen has the tools to live, learn, work, and thrive.”
