Accra: Mrs. Hannah Awadzi, Executive Director of Inclusive Families Alliance (IFA), a disability support organization, has urged the government to extend its free sanitary pad programme to include diapers for children with disabilities. This call aims to alleviate the financial burden on families caring for children, particularly those with cerebral palsy, who require the use of diapers due to unique medical needs.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Awadzi made this appeal during a donation event where Dr. Mabel Oti-Boadi, a psychologist and lecturer at the University of Ghana, provided diapers, medical mats, and wipes to parents of children with disabilities. Mrs. Awadzi highlighted that the cost of diapers is a significant financial burden for these families, who are often already dealing with other medical and caregiving expenses.
In Ghana, it is not uncommon to see parents of children with cerebral palsy seeking assistance to purchase diapers. Mrs. Awadzi emphasized that providing free diapers would ease the stress on these families and positively impact their well-being. The Inclusive Families Alliance has expressed its willingness to support the government in conducting needs assessments and collaborating with healthcare providers, special education institutions, and disability support organizations to efficiently distribute diapers if the proposal is accepted.
Mrs. Awadzi also extended her gratitude to Dr. Oti-Boadi for her continued support to families of children with disabilities. She encouraged other individuals and corporate organizations to follow Dr. Oti-Boadi’s example of generosity. Dr. Oti-Boadi, who dedicates her birthday each year to donating to families of children with disabilities or related organizations, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting these families.