A significant step lies ahead to ensure effective implementation of the developed Action Plan towards the people with different handicaps in Tanzania
By Senior Reporter VALENTINE OFORO
THE Foundation for Disabilities Hope (FDH) has expressed satisfaction with the Government’s pace and keenness in solving the diverse setbacks hat the people with disabilities faces in the country.
The FDH Executive Director, Mr Maiko Salali has said the Foundation is thrilled to see the voices of people with disabilities in Tanzania being considered by the Government.
“We commend the Government of Tanzania for launching the National Action Plan for persons with albinism, the crucial strategy incepted on December 3rd this year, during the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” he expressed.
He hailed the Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete for his determined aspiration and good leadership which resulted in the official launching of the helpful Action Plan towards the disabled community.
Together with that, Mr Salali appreciated the diverse interventions being engineered by the stakeholders in line to improve the welfare of the Tanzanians with numerous disabilities.
On June 12, 2024, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with FDH, held a meeting to discuss the impact of climate change on people with albinism.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from various institutions, including UNEP’s head of Tanzania office, Ms. Clara Makenya, Kwame Daklo from Ghana, Africa Albism Network, Prof. Daudi Mavura, a specialist in dermatology for people with albinism from RDTC, KCMC, as well as representatives from disability organizations.
“During the meeting, one of the challenges identified by the participants was the lack of a tailor -made National Action Plan for people with albinism ,as well as and the impact of climate change on them,” he unveiled.
As a result, he said one of the resolutions was to lobby the Government for the inclusion of the agenda for the persons with disabilities in the National Action Plan development process initiated back in 2018.
“We are pleased that the launched Action Plan has considered the effects of climate change and included robust strategies to address them,”
“We thank all stakeholders who helped to make this Plan a reality, and we firmly believe that the discussions and resolutions from the June meeting played a crucial role in reaching this milestone,”
“Special thanks to UNEP Tanzania under the leadership of Ms. Clara Makenya for their willingness to collaborate with us, including initiating and advising on this important discussion.” he said.
He observed, a significant step lies ahead to ensure effective implementation of the developed Action Plan.
” Let us continue to work together to address the challenges faced by people with skin disabilities, including the impacts of climate change and the extreme heat that affects our skin, contributing to skin cancer among those with albinism.,” he urged.
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