By Chisom Okafor
The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has participated in a programme to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion of persons with autism in the state.
The programme, organised by the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, was held on Sept. 26 at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Development Centre, Awka.
It was themed “Promoting Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Celebrating the Unique Abilities of Persons with Autism in Anambra State.”
The programme focused on reducing stigma and discrimination against persons with autism and promoting access to healthcare, education, social services and equal opportunities.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, who was the keynote speaker, called for greater support for persons with autism and their families.
Onyekesi said there was need to create an inclusive society that recognised the abilities of persons with autism and provided them with equal opportunities to participate in society.
As part of its participation, ASHIA registered children with autism and their families under the state health insurance scheme to enable them access healthcare services.
The ASHIA team was led by Mr. Amaefule Christian, Personal Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Augustine Ezeka, who represented the agency at the event.
The programme brought together stakeholders to discuss ways of improving acceptance, inclusion and support for persons with autism in Anambra.
Chisom Okafor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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