According to Turay the commemoration further aimed at amplifying the voice of the disability community in Sierra Leone for additional, concrete, commitment and actions from stakeholders on the recommendation on the PWD agenda for Sierra Leone.
“We are yet to see concrete action of PWD priorities to be included in the current government of President Bio, despite the effort made by the disabled community,” Turay stated.
He kicked against what he referred to as the negative impression of people about PWD that they are all destitute and beggars and went further to call on President Bio to lead by example and ensure he includes PWDs in all arrangements of PWDs.
Also speaking to this medium was the President of SLUDI, Santigie Kargbo who said the commemoration was geared towards finding a road map with regards the challenges they as PWDs are facing.
“The challenges and problems we are faced with surpasses the success we gain.” Kargbo said, while also appealing with government to approve and implement that every person living with disabilities be given free health care and education.
Giving the keynote address, Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Francis Kabia cited that it no secret that PWDs continue to face social and economic problems that prevent them from realizing their potentials and active participation in national development.
“Too often, we are confronted with stigma, discrimination, denial of most basic human rights” Kabia said.
