Make use of HIV/ AIDS services, disabled urged

By JACKSON MAPAPAYI NORTH Western Province Minister Richard Kapita has urged persons with disabilities to make use of available HIV/AIDS services in the health centres because this is an issue that affects everyone in the society.

Mr Kapita observed that a number of persons with disabilities especially women and girls had been victims of unprotected sex as seen from increasing numbers of unwanted pregnancies.

He said as society was seeking transformation to zero HIV infections, there was need to make use of the available education on safe sex.

‘’I also wish to urge stakeholders in HIV/AIDS to start mainstreaming persons with disabilities in their strategies and activities,’’ Mr Kapita said.

The provincial minister was speaking in an interview with the Daily Nation yesterday.

He also observed that persons with disabilities especially women and girls are more affected when it comes to gender based violence (GBV) in society.

He said most of the perpetrators of GBV to persons with disabilities are not reported but are shielded by either the victims themselves or their families.

He said there was need to ensure that every member of society plays a role in supporting and respecting the rights of the differently abled persons.

‘’I also wish to urge those who may fall victim to the vice to report to the law enforcement agencies or to family and community leaders so that justice can prevail,’’ he added.