Chairman of the Physically Challenged Association, Bauchi State chapter, Muktar Umar, has urged the inclusion of polio survivors in government and developmental programmes to improve their welfare, empowerment, and societal participation.

Umar made the appeal during an interview in Bauchi on Thursday, emphasising the need for greater attention to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

He lamented that many polio survivors continued to experience stigmatisation in public places, a situation he said limited their ability to live dignified lives and participate fully in community activities.

According to him, stigmatisation has also affected access to healthcare and social services, leaving many polio survivors isolated despite government efforts to promote inclusion and equal opportunities across sectors.

“Polio survivors are often left behind in development programmes. The way people interact with us discourages many members from seeking care, leaving them vulnerable in spite of their education and training,” Mr Umar said.

He explained that several association members possessed educational qualifications and trade certifications but remained unemployed due to discrimination, neglect, and inadequate support from both public and private institutions.

Mr Umar recalled that during former governor Isa Yuguda’s administration, members received vocational training in various trades, but lack of funding hindered efforts to sustain and expand their small-scale businesses.

Speaking on immunisation, Mr Umar said polio survivors were now strong advocates for routine vaccination, working tirelessly to ensure every child was immunised to prevent the recurrence of the debilitating disease.

He stated, “We make sure our children don’t suffer what we endured. Some of us even crawl to health centres to ensure they are vaccinated. Immunisation remains our top priority.’’

He commended the education sector for integrating polio survivors into conventional schools and called on government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations to support their empowerment initiatives.

(NAN)