By Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Despite the existence of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Act of 2018, discriminatory practices in Nigeria’s healthcare sector continue to undermine the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights of persons with disabilities.
This issue was brought to the forefront by Bilkisu Yakubu, National Coordinator of the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiatives (AWWDI), during a media engagement yesterday in Abuja.
Yakubu emphasized the pervasive bias that PWDs encounter in hospitals, particularly when accessing sexual and reproductive health services. “Most times, when we go into hospitals, they assume we want to see the physiotherapist. No, we can come to the hospital for sexual and reproductive health services,” she explained. “Why ask us questions that are derogatory or affect our well-being and interactions with society?”
The discrimination extends beyond assumptions. Yakubu shared a disturbing account of a pregnant woman in a wheelchair who stopped attending antenatal care due to repeated insensitive comments from healthcare workers. “They would ask her, ‘Who impregnated you?’ or mockingly exclaim, ‘You dey do?’ Such comments pushed her to avoid hospitals entirely, despite the risk of complications that could have cost her life,” Yakubu revealed.
Cultural myths and misconceptions
In addition to insensitive attitudes, deeply ingrained cultural myths exacerbate the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing SRH services. Yakubu pointed out that individuals with albinism and hunchbacks are particularly affected by harmful beliefs. “There is a myth in some African countries that having sex with persons with albinism makes one rich. Similarly, people with hunchbacks are believed to have money hidden in their backs,” she noted.
These misconceptions further isolate PWDs from mainstream sexual and reproductive health services, depriving them of their fundamental rights.
Gaps in law implementation
Although the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Act (2018) prohibits such prejudices and prescribes penalties for violations, Yakubu lamented the lack of awareness and enforcement of the law. “One major problem in Nigeria is that we don’t read. The law exists, but how many people understand it? Knowing the law is one thing; interpreting and implementing it is another,” she explained.
The law guarantees PWDs equal access to healthcare services, including SRH care. However, many healthcare workers remain ignorant of these provisions, and enforcement mechanisms are weak.
Advocacy and awareness
Yakubu stressed the need for continued advocacy to bridge the knowledge gap among healthcare providers and the general public. “We have conducted trainings for non-PWDs, government MDAs, and now we are training media agencies. The National Commission for Persons With Disabilities is tasked with implementing the law, but we know the government cannot do it alone. That’s why we are partnering to enlighten everyone until inclusion becomes the language of everyone,” she said.
Media organizations were also called upon to play a crucial role in reshaping societal attitudes. Yakubu urged journalists to report the realities of PWDs accurately and empathetically. “If you report our issues the way they are, it will help change narratives. Don’t cut out the vital information about inclusivity that we want the world to hear,” she appealed.
A call to action
Sexual and reproductive health is a universal right, but for persons with disabilities in Nigeria, this right is far from realized. From societal stigma to systemic discrimination in healthcare settings, the barriers are numerous and deeply entrenched. Yakubu’s accounts highlight the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to address these challenges, combining legal enforcement, healthcare training, public awareness, and inclusive reporting by the media.
As Yakubu aptly stated, “When it comes to sexual and reproductive health for persons with disabilities, we all have a right to all the services available to everyone.” Bridging this gap requires collective effort to ensure that no one is left behind.
