Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on Wednesday commended the Kaduna State Government and development partners for introducing an inclusive Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).
Their appreciation followed a stakeholder meeting to disseminate the newly launched plan, which was developed by the Kaduna State Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners such as Sightsavers and the Lafiya project.
Executive Director of the Women with Disabilities Self-Reliance Foundation, Riskat Muhammed, highlighted the importance of PWD participation throughout the planning process.
“This is more than a policy document — it’s a reflection of our voices and our dreams. We were involved from the stage of advocacy to policy formulation and now dissemination. This was not done for us without us,” she said.
She emphasized the ongoing commitment of disability advocates:
“As implementation begins, we will continue to monitor and engage to ensure the government stays responsive and listens to the lived experiences of women with disabilities.”
The Executive Director of Heart to Heart Foundation for Inclusive Education, Salome Net described the CIP as a “dream come true” for PWDs, praising the inclusive approach adopted during its development.
“We were fully involved. Persons with disabilities of all kinds were carried along, and our voices were heard. All our needs have been captured in this plan,” she stated.
Net added that disseminating the plan was both symbolic and empowering:
“It means so much to us. We truly feel seen and heard today.”
Earlier in the event, Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed—represented by Naomi Kukah, Deputy Director of Nursing Services—emphasized that access to sexual and reproductive health is a right, not a privilege.
“The CIP is a policy tool that promotes inclusion. It outlines strategic actions, allocates resources, and sets clear priorities to ensure that PWDs are not left behind in the quest for universal SRH access,” she said.
She explained that the plan was informed by rigorous consultations and data analysis, rooted in principles of inclusion, participation, accountability, and sustainability.
“Achieving these goals demands more than good intentions; it requires concrete action,” she added.
Mohammed Liman, the lead consultant on the plan, noted that the CIP will be implemented from 2024 to 2027 at an estimated cost of ₦33 billion. A significant portion—₦21 billion—is earmarked for infrastructural upgrades to address physical and communication barriers that hinder access to SRH services for PWDs.
Anita Gyom, Programme Director for Neglected Tropical Diseases at Sightsavers, reiterated the organization’s role in demonstrating feasible implementation strategies.
“We want to show the government what works and what can be scaled up. While Sightsavers supports the implementation of specific components, the leadership and broader coordination must come from the government,” Gyom said.
She called on government stakeholders to mobilize diverse resources and maintain ownership of the inclusive initiative to ensure long-term success.
