Regional News of Wednesday, 21 July 2004

Source: GNA

Journalists commended for reports on disability issues

Fumbisi (U/E), July 21, GNA - An official of Action on Disability and Development (ADD), an international non-governmental organisation supporting Persons With Disability (PWDs), has commended journalists in the country for giving prominence to disability issues in recent times. Mr. Henry Adivila told the GNA in an interview that in the last three months disability issues had taken centre stage in media discussions and publications, thus sending a positive signal to the public on disability issues.

He said the fact that matters concerning the disabled were even featured in editorials and discussed on radio, thereby setting an agenda for public debate, gave a sigh of relief to PWDs and advocates on disability issues.

Mr. Adivila said publications on disability were increasingly enlightening the public better, adding that more people had been sensitised on issues affecting PWDs now compared to the situation 10 years ago.

He said the advocacy taken up by media practitioners in the country was a welcome development for PWDs, and urged them to continue to hit hard on the issue for the politicians to appreciate the need to formulate pragmatic policies and programmes for PWDs.