News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Red Cross Society has distributed dignity packs to 110 People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Benue State.
The Director, Protection, Gender, Inclusion and Education at the Red Cross National Headquarters Abuja, Fatima Nasir, who made the distribution in Makurdi said pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers were also part of the beneficiaries.
Addressing the PWDs at JS Tarka Foundation in Makurdi, Nasir said the programme is being implemented in six states of Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and Kaduna.
According to her, the Red Cross was committed ensuring inclusion and supporting the vulnerable population in the country.
She said they were in Benue to show their love and support to the People With Disabilities, (PWDs).
The Director of education and inclusion said “People With Disabilities are always not participating in Red Cross activities and so we are here today to show our presence as Red Cross and to also assure them that they are part of us, we are aware that they are there, they are not being neglected, they are not forgotten, we know their existence and we know the challenges they face just like every other person.
“We have a small gifts for them to show how much we care. We call them dignity kits. The beneficiaries are PWD women of reproductive age and the bag contains some essential kits that a young woman would need. They are bathing and washing soap, detergents, tooth brush, toothpaste, Vaseline, under wears, sanitary pads among others.”
She said the items would be distributed to 110 female PWDs who are of reproductive age adding that Red Cross would find a way to reach out to the elderly women as well as the men among the PWDs in future distributions.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of Nigerian Red Cross, Benue State, Danladi Umar, said “our parents organization, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) packaged some gifts for the vulnerable people in the state especially PWDs called the dignity packs.”
Umar who stated that some pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers were also invited to benefit from the facilities, acknowledged that the PWDs are a vulnerable population saying Red Cross wants to bring them closer to the society.
We are encouraging them to register with us so they can be more visible. These people are human, they need love, care and support and that is our aim with this program.”
The distribution also took place at the Rehabilitation Center at Apir in Makurdi, the state capital
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Jacinta Igwilo expressed gratitude to Red Cross for the thoughtful intervention and for continuously including the PWDs in their activities. “Your disability-friendly approach gives us a sense of belonging,” she said.
Another beneficiary from Guma LGA, Mwuese Amato also appreciated Red Cross Society for their kind gesture pledging to make good use of the items.
