Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Culwick Togamana explained that the National Disability Inclusion Development Policy 2022-2031 adopts the vision that Solomon Islands is a society that views people with disabilities as equal and equal participants in the development of the country.
Following Cabinet approval, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and its partners, including disability groups, successfully launched the Solomon Islands National Disability Development Policy 2022 -2031 and Plan Rehabilitation Strategy 2022 -2031, in Honiara, on Friday, December 2, 2022. .
The policy document and 10-year strategic plan will play an important role in guiding decisions and implementing activities to ensure that Solomon Islands people living with various forms of disability can lead normal lives, access services and be able to participate meaningfully in the development of the country.
Ms. Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for Health, in her welcoming remarks, pointed out that the work of finalizing the documents had taken place at a time when the ministry was battling COVID-19 and although this was a challenge, it did not did not deter the department from losing sight of the need. move this important undertaking forward to completion and Cabinet approval.
“As such, while I welcome you all to this event, allow me to take this opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of our team at the Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Persons with Disabilities, including the Association People with Disabilities Solomon Islands, People with Disabilities Solomon Islands and partners who have worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone.
“We now have a policy document and a strategic plan that will guide us for the next 10 years. With this, we must collectively guarantee, promote and defend that our people with disabilities can access social services, health and education, employment and employment opportunities so that they can participate equally and advocate together to end harmful practices, discrimination, marginalization. , and the exclusion of people with disabilities,” said Ms. McNeil.
Ms. Monica Fong, Head of the WHO Office in the Solomon Islands, conveying a congratulatory message, stressed that the milestone achieved reflects the Ministry of Health and its partners, the commitment to universal health coverage and ensuring that the continuum of care for everyone, including people with disabilities, is addressed.
She explained that the alignment of the policy and strategic plan with the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031 under strategic objective three (3) would further strengthen the delivery of these two key areas of health in a systematic manner. and sustainable.
She, however, underlined the need to continue to strengthen the delivery of quality health services through responsive and strengthened human resources for rehabilitation services and more investment in appropriate infrastructure to ensure accessibility if desired. serve those in need of service.
Ms. Fong said that WHO is pleased to have provided the technical guidance for the development of the strategic plan and ensured WHO’s continued support to achieve the objectives of the strategic plan, complementary policies and activities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Culwick Togamana explained that the National Disability Inclusion Development Policy 2022-2031 adopts the vision that Solomon Islands is a society that views people with disabilities as equal and equal participants in the development of the country.
He said the mission is to ensure the inclusive participation of persons with disabilities as equal partners in the promotion and protection of their human rights and the aspiration for the development of the country.
“This policy adopts the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has also adopted the two-pronged approach of mainstreaming disability and specific disability in its implementation,” Dr Togamana said.
He said on the note that the Ministry of Health is engaged and in progress in the preparation of the documents required for the approval, by the senior management and the cabinet of the ministry, of the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Along with the Rehabilitation Strategic Plan 2022 -2031, Dr. Togamana highlighted that this is the first strategic plan for the Solomon Islands and also for the Pacific in terms of rehabilitation. “Rehabilitation improves people’s health and functioning, increases their participation and inclusion in daily life and community activities, and saves money. Rehabilitation is for the entire population that needs it, from people with short-term disabilities to people with long-term disabilities,” Dr. Togamana explained.
“The Rehabilitation Strategic Plan aspires to the vision of – A healthy future for all, integrating rehabilitation into the health system – and a mission – To provide accessible, effective and quality rehabilitation to all Solomon Islands that is affordable, wherever ‘they live,’ Describes Doctor Togamana.
He said that with these important documents now in hand, the Government of the Solomon Islands, development partners and other key stakeholders, are now ready to work in partnership in the translation and implementation of these important document frameworks. .
Dr. Togamana then launched the documents. “As Minister of Health, I hereby officially launch the Solomon Islands National Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2022-2031 and the Solomon Islands Rehabilitation Strategic Plan 2022-2031. Congratulations!”
Source: MHMS Media
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