ISLAMABAD: Begum Samina Alvi, the First Lady, has called on various stakeholders, including government authorities, media, civil society, healthcare institutions, and welfare organizations to launch awareness campaigns to ensure and safeguard the fundamental rights of special persons.
In her appeal, she urged government institutions to enhance facilities to address the social and healthcare challenges faced by people with special needs while also advocating for improvements in the primary healthcare system.
The First Lady emphasized the need for collective efforts from all segments of society to protect the rights and welfare of differently-abled individuals, thereby fostering a society characterized by equality and comprehensive well-being.
Special Persons Challenges
Highlighting the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities, who comprise approximately 10 to 12% of the country’s population, she stressed the importance of increased awareness regarding their difficulties. She attributed the growing awareness to campaigns conducted through seminars, conferences, walks, ceremonies, and mass messages to mobile phone users.
Acknowledging the contributions of welfare organizations, hospitals, electronic and social media, newspapers, NGOs, and civil society, Begum Samina Alvi commended their role in raising public consciousness about health-related issues affecting this demographic.
Expressing concern over the barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, she called for empowerment through skill-based education and improved health facilities.
Furthermore, the First Lady shed light on a lesser-discussed aspect of society – individuals grappling with psychological issues. She noted that many were hesitant to seek treatment due to the prevailing social stigma around mental health. A significant portion of the population, around 24%, experiences various psychological issues, she added.
In a bid to promote women’s health, Samina Alvi encouraged women to allocate just five minutes each month for self-examination to aid in early breast cancer detection. She emphasized that breast cancer continues to claim lives in Pakistan each year, underscoring the importance of proactive self-care.
Samina Alvi’s proactive stance on raising awareness about disabilities, mental health, and women’s well-being reflects her commitment to fostering a society that prioritizes the rights, health, and inclusivity of all its members.
