Kenya marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) by launching groundbreaking tuberculosis (TB) information, education, and communication (IEC) materials in Braille. This move underscores Kenya’s commitment to creating an inclusive healthcare system that caters to the needs of all citizens, including persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The launch event, held in partnership with the Union of the Blind (KUB), the Stop TB Partnership-Kenya, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), highlighted the theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” The initiative was designed to bridge critical gaps in TB awareness among individuals with visual impairments, empowering them to protect themselves and actively participate in the fight against TB.
Evaline Kibuchi, Chief National Coordinator of Stop TB Partnership-Kenya, emphasized that PWDs face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly those with mobility disabilities. These individuals often experience isolation due to geographical barriers and physical inaccessibility. “Persons with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments, are uniquely vulnerable to diseases like TB,” noted Dr. Chomba Munyi, Chairman of KUB. “Barriers to accessing information, stigma, and inequitable healthcare systems expose them to a higher risk of TB and hinder their ability to seek care.”
The launch of the Braille materials is a crucial step in addressing these challenges, enabling visually impaired individuals to make informed decisions about their health. This initiative also aligns with the broader goal of ‘leaving no one behind’ in the health sector, ensuring that everyone has equal access to vital health information.
Dr. Chomba highlighted the intersectionality of TB and HIV, noting that individuals with disabilities often lack adequate support for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. He urged the Ministry of Health to integrate disability considerations into all health policies and programs, ensuring that healthcare services are both physically and socially accessible.
Kibuchi further stressed the importance of including PWDs in decision-making processes, particularly around communication barriers like Braille and sign language. “How many healthcare workers understand sign language? How many are trained in Braille?” she asked, drawing attention to the lack of trained professionals to support PWDs.
The launch marks a significant milestone, but as Dr. Chomba pointed out, much more work is needed. A call for increased funding from the government, development partners, and the private sector to support disability-inclusive TB and HIV programs was made. By making TB information accessible to the visually impaired, Kenya is taking an essential step toward equity in healthcare, strengthening the collective fight against TB and HIV.
