The Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) has called for the use of interpreters in healthcare facilities to ensure that deaf patients are able to communicate effectively with the professionals there.
At the first North East 2023 zone Annual General Meeting and Conference held on Wednesday in Bauchi, the association’s zone secretary Miyawa Mshelia made the appeal.
She pointed out that because of communication barriers, a deaf person is more likely to experience stress and to receive insufficient health care and health-related information.
“Clear communication between patients and medical staff is critical to have a positive interaction and successful health outcomes.
“Many people who are hard of hearing have experienced difficulty in a hospital or medical setting predominantly around communication.
“Due to gaps in understanding or awareness on both sides, patients with hearing challenges may not be fully informed as to their treatment or their options,” she said.
Ms Mshelia stressed that the difficulties in communication caused emotional reactions with nurses and other health workers.
“There is need for manual alphabet and sign language, and the perception about the need for an interpreter of sign language in a health institution,” she said.
The zonal secretary also advocated for women’s rights policies to help the nation’s deaf and hard-of-hearing women.
She explained that the goals of the gathering were to raise consciousness, facilitate information sharing, strengthen relationships, increase efficiency, and forge partnerships with related organizations.
“To address the issues of marginalisation, violation and discrimination against deaf women and girls especially in the areas of sexual and reproductive health.
“We see a future where deaf women are liberated and empowered to live with dignity and excel in their chosen paths toward achieving equality for deaf women at all spheres of human endeavour,” she said.
Tabawa Garba, the association’s chairperson in Bauchi State, has already appealed for help from institutions including hospitals and schools.
“We urge religious leaders, business owners across the nation to create an inclusive community for deaf women through the provision of sign language interpreters in all activities and signage at public places,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conference is with the theme: “Recognising Deaf Women’s Rights” with participants from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
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