We must make the commemoration...to become a momentum to emphasize concern and bolster solidarity to protect (the rights of) persons with disabilitiesJakarta (ANTARA) - Director general of public health at the Health Ministry Maria Endang Sumiwi has urged Indonesians to help eradicate the negative stigma surrounding people with disabilities and assist them in improving their welfare and independence.
At the “Talkshow on the Commemoration of the 58th National Health Day (HKN) and 2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” which was held virtually on Tuesday, she also asked all parties to fulfill the rights of and realize equality for persons with disabilities.
"We must make the commemoration of the 58th HKN and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year to become a momentum to emphasize concern and bolster solidarity to protect (the rights of) persons with disabilities," she remarked.
HKN is observed every November 12, while the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is commemorated every December 3.
The director general invited all parties to collaborate in providing wider access for persons with disabilities in meeting their needs.
The government's attempts to strengthen the accessibility of community-based health and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities require support from all parties, she emphasized.
Hence, she said she expected the commemoration of the 58th HKN as well as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to have a concrete impact on the improvement of easily accessible and quality health services for persons with disabilities.
In addition, the commemoration is expected to increase the awareness of parents or guardians of children with disabilities about the importance of their role in optimizing the potential of the children and in realizing a more inclusive Indonesia.
Indonesia signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on March 30, 2007.
As regulated in the convention, persons with disabilities also have the right to obtain quality health services without discrimination, Sumiwi said.
As a follow-up to the convention, Indonesia issued Law Number 36 of 2009 concerning Health.
The law requires the government to guarantee the availability of health services for persons with disabilities as well as help them lead independent and productive lives, socially and economically.
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Translator: Rizka Khaerunnisa, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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