The Association of Anambra State Women with Disabilities (AASWOWD) has called for improved and inclusive healthcare service delivery for people living with disabilities (PWDs).

Ncheta Nwanokwara, the AASWOWD chairperson, made the call at the association’s annual August meeting on Saturday in Awka.

The event had the theme, “Ensuring an Accessible and Inclusive Reproductive Healthcare System for Women with Disabilities.”

Ms Nwanokwara said women with disabilities had continued to face barriers and discrimination when trying to access medical care in the state.

She identified systematic barriers, discriminatory attitudes, and accessibility challenges, especially the availability of ramps and adjustable beds in some health facilities and a lack of sign language interpreters and readable information materials.

According to her, the barriers prevent many women from receiving quality healthcare services in the state.

“We have continued to face these barriers and discrimination, but we have also made important strides in raising awareness and advocating for a more inclusive reproductive and healthcare system.

“We are calling on relevant stakeholders in the health sector in Anambra to increase investment, improve infrastructure, and enhance training for healthcare providers.

“More importantly, there is a need to build a future where every woman, regardless of her disability, can access the quality, dignified, and empowering reproductive healthcare she deserves,” she said.

Also speaking, Ogochukwu Ofiaeli, the president of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria’s (MWAN) Anambra chapter, urged public institutions to implement the state disability rights law by making their infrastructure accessible to all.

Ms Ofiaeli also advised PWDs to seek knowledge to improve their health status and economic sustainability.

(NAN)