85 000 Namibians live with disabilities

APPROXIMATELY 85 000 Namibians live with disabilities, a Government official said yesterday.

Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Richard Kamwi, said people with hand and leg impairments make up the largest proportion at 37,6 per cent. Blindness is the second most common disability in the country, he added.It accounts for 35 per cent of disabilities; deafness accounts for 21 per cent followed by speech and mental disorders at10 per cent.”The great concern for my ministry remains the burden of mental illness which goes unnoticed in our society,” Kamwi said.”In order for us to address mental illness properly skilled human resources, informed communities, special support systems and adequate funding are needed.”He added that his ministry has initiated programmes to address and reverse discrimination against and marginalisation of people living with disabilities.Kamwi was speaking at the launch in Windhoek of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Awareness Week.- NampaBlindness is the second most common disability in the country, he added.It accounts for 35 per cent of disabilities; deafness accounts for 21 per cent followed by speech and mental disorders at10 per cent.”The great concern for my ministry remains the burden of mental illness which goes unnoticed in our society,” Kamwi said.”In order for us to address mental illness properly skilled human resources, informed communities, special support systems and adequate funding are needed.”He added that his ministry has initiated programmes to address and reverse discrimination against and marginalisation of people living with disabilities.Kamwi was speaking at the launch in Windhoek of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Awareness Week.- Nampa