COVID-19, the first truly global pandemic in modern days, has affected most parts of the world in a debilitating manner, affecting several aspects of our lives. The impact of COVID-19 on disable people has received a considerable amount of attention. And as a result WHO has developed a concept named ‘Leaving no one behind’ addressing the issues related to the pandemic, faced by 15% of the global population of disable individuals. WHO focuses on solutions which can be offered accordingly.
“Disability is defined as any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to engage in certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with those around them (participation restrictions). This includes impairment related to Vision, Movement, Thinking, Remembering, Learning, Communicating, Hearing, Mental health and Social relationships. Even before the pandemic individuals with physical disabilities, wishing to achieve economic security and independence, have always been kept out of reach by a variety of societal assumptions about their potential or inability to reliably fulfil professional requirements” underscored Dr. Dilum Palliyaguruge, Consultant Neurologist, MD, MRCP( UK), MRCP Neuro(UK), Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala.
“Although the minority of disabled people has the luxury of living with their families, as Sri Lankans have core-values in looking after their family members no matter what, the rest who are institutionalised, tend to face the increased vulnerability for viral transmission due to overcrowding, limited space, nutritional deficits and poor accessibility to medical care” said Dr. Palliyaguruge.
Disabled people are exposed to a greater risk of contracting COVID- 19 due to the following:
- Not following health guidelines including social distancing and hand-washing protocols due to learning disability and dependency on special aids and caregivers.
- Over-crowding with inadequate personal space, poor communication and delay in getting the required attention when sick
- A compromised physical health/Nutritional status which may weaken the immune system to battle with infections
- Economical issues resulting in medical care being inapproachable
- Barriers in accessing public health information and supportive health care
But collective measures such as making public health information disability-friendly, providing special tools for sanitation, professional support to maintain overall health, spreading awareness and educating caregivers, enhancing level of nutrition should be implemented.
“The early identification of risk groups among the disabled must be done. The their issues can undoubtedly be limited given the magnitude of the out-break.
So lets come forward to offer a hand to this special section of our community during this unprecedented pandemic to keep the common villain behind the bars” Dr. Palliyaguruge concluded.
