The deaf community has raised concerns over their marginalization in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) information in improving their health and general well-being.
They said the majority of the deaf have no access to SRHR information owing to a lack of understanding and knowledge of sign language among healthcare workers.
This, they argued, has led to a communication barrier between them and the healthcare professionals making access to quality SRHR remain a mirage for them.
Deaf Empowerment Society of Kenya (DESK) official Jacob Mugambi called on the government and the media to break communication barriers to make the provision of SRH services more inclusive of the deaf and more so the young people.
Speaking during a sensitization workshop of their members on SRHR at a hotel in Embu Town on Tuesday, Mugambi said without a translator, healthcare providers are unable to inform deaf patients about different SRHR services.
He said parents were also ill-equipped or didn’t know how to share health messages to their deaf adolescents and youth, limiting their access to this critical information and care.
This, he said, had perpetuated discrimination and limited access to health care which could only be reversed by giving them more access to health learning opportunities.
Another member of the community, Jemima Apis said most healthcare workers lack basic signs and understanding of specific signs relevant to SRH making it hard for them to get these services in hospitals.
“If healthcare providers know how to communicate with us, it will help us get proper attention and services,” said Winnie, who is another member of the deaf community.
They also called on the media and app developers to come up with user-friendly messages and applications on SRH information for them to bridge the knowledge gap.
Additionally, the members also noted that sign language interpreters’ space on TV is too small to be seen well, hindering access to information.
The workshop was themed, “Leveraging the media to promote SRHR for young deaf adolescents.”
By Samuel Waititu
