ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Chigunwe G* and Mphande F
Projects that address changing values in our communities and that have impact on needs technology as well as addressing the health for all should be considered in all African countries. COVID19 is a point of argument. During this study, African leaders were running around for intervention measures and protection of their people from Corona virus. One wonders if the state of urgency would have been the same if COVID19 affected only those who cannot communicate such as the poor and those with disabilities. The latter minority groups have always been dying of preventable diseases such as Malaria and malnutrition whilst most women with disabilities experience maternal challenges in most African countries. Zimbabwean government indulged in the construction of alternative sanitary facilities in schools, clinics and hospitals. This move alleviated the sanitary and hygiene challenges faced by Zimbabweans. Studies revealed that persons with physical disabilities accessed most of these public institution toilets by leaving their wheelchairs outside then crawl on their hands and feet despite the dirty toilet floors. Most public toilet corridors were too narrow for wheelchairs to manoeuvre and there were no rails for support. In a study to examine the coping mechanisms and adaptation of women with physical disabilities in such an environment, qualitative methodology was used. Ethnography was used to gather data in Bindura district of Zimbabwe and Lusaka district of Zambia. Cross-sectional research was employed and interviews and questionnaire were data collection instruments. It was found that difficulty in accessing health institutions buildings and sanitary facilities made women with disabilities indulge in alternative, unhealthy practices which included home pregnancy delivery as well as failure to take their babies for baby health check clinic. While the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasis on inclusive health, rehabilitating all institutions cannot be achieved now in Zimbabwe and Zambia due to economic crisis. However, SDGs can still be met by adopting policies that ensure healthy lives and wellbeing for all. Pregnant Women with Disabilities Community Care Model (PWwDCCM) can be adopted as an integrated home care model. This would be a holistic approach to managing pregnant women with disabilities as well as participation of health personnel and community members. Thus the two countries can contribute significantly in reducing the global maternal mortality ratio as well as preventing deaths of new born babies.
Keywords: Pregnant women with disabilities; Access; Healthcare Facilities; Maternal Deaths; Home Care Model
