Migori: People Living with Disabilities (PLWD) in Migori have been asked to visit the County Referral Hospital for assessment to receive free wheelchairs. Speaking at the Migori County Referral Hospital (MCRH), Fredrick Otieno, the Doctor in Charge of Physiotherapy at the facility, announced a partnership with the county and the Walkabout Foundation to host a Wheelchair Service Week aimed at addressing mobility issues.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Walkabout Foundation, an international charitable organization, has been providing free wheelchairs to enhance mobility for PLWD and others facing mobility challenges. Otieno highlighted mobility as a significant challenge for PLWD, which the collaboration with the Walkabout Foundation seeks to alleviate to improve their quality of life.
'We are urging all residents from Migori to visit the Referral hospital to get assessed and receive a free wheelchair to aid in their domestic chores, conduct their businesses and allow children to attend school,' said Otieno. The initiative will offer various types of wheelchairs tailored to the nature of each individual's disability to provide optimal mobility support.
Since 2023, the Walkabout Foundation has distributed 210 wheelchairs to PLWD, with plans to issue 100 more to county residents this year. According to Paul Maina, the Manager of Walkabout Foundation Kenya, the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding with Migori County will facilitate the distribution of free wheelchairs to fulfill the dream of enhanced mobility for PLWD.
'We are ready to work with any county that is willing to engage with us to improve the lifestyle of PLWD across the country,' Maina stated. He emphasized that providing wheelchairs empowers the community economically, ensuring no one is left behind. He added that enabling PLWD to access necessary mobility aids guarantees their independence in daily activities, reducing reliance on others.
Dorothy Awuor, a wheelchair recipient from Nyatike Sub-County, expressed relief that the free wheelchair would ease her movement difficulties. She had previously depended on relatives and neighbors for mobility, a tiresome task. The wheelchair will also enable her to fulfill her civic duty of voting next year.
Beatrice Lingala, a mother of a physically challenged child, shared that her daughter, who struggles with a brain tumor, faced immobility issues that hindered her from attending Senior school. 'I am happy that one of the challenges facing my daughter has been addressed, and I hope the gesture is extended to everyone who needs help to make society a better place,' she said.