Often victims of discrimination and marginalization. The disabled do not always receive education and vocational training adequate to enter the job market, to live independently for their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Children with disabilities are looked upon by families as Unproductive and unnecessary and the non-compliance with the legislation in force against them in various domains of the social life does not always facilitate the full enjoyment of their basic rights, dignity as well as the valorisation of their talents and potentials.
Very few medical institutions in Cameroon offer special treatments to persons with disabilities such as a reduction on the consultation, tests and laboratory fees after the presentation of a disability card.
Unlike the Cardinal Paul Émile Léger National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities who since 1970 till date have been working daily for the rehabilitation of the disabled.
The center celebrated its 50th anniversary last 19 June 2021. Some activities were organized to mark this golden jubilee amongst which free consultations were offered to disabled patients, A sensitisation campaign launched to change the outlook and attitudes of people towards persons with disabilities as well as the valorisation of their image and potentials.
An exhibition fair was also organized where people living with a disability have shown their artistic and professional know-how.
It should be noted that since this center had changed its name in 2009, 110 321 people with disabilities have been consulted, among which 2519 patients underwent orthopedic surgery and trauma.
3639 benefited from psychosocial support, 8236 apparatus accessories and rehabilitation manufactured. Again 580 have been trained for accessible jobs.
The general director of this health training center Dr. Manga says financial difficulty is the main problem faced and this has gone a long way to limit the actions being carried out. Again, the rehabilitation centre has a slow absorption capacity for the caring of people with disabilities, this is due to the fact that there is a glaring lack of essential equipment whose constituent parts are manufactured abroad and also the glaring lack of imported materials whose current cost has increased and delivery capacities to date complicated by the health and economic crisis.
Nevertheless, the rehabilitation centre ended its activities through a gala so as to collect money in order to purchase basic raw materials to equip 1000 people almost free of charge over the next 5 years. An initiative that should be encouraged and supported.
[ Photo : Minas]
