Gov’t to strengthen special support to PWDs, elders, women

Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn said the government will further strengthen ongoing special support to persons with disabilities (PWDs), elders and women.

In an interview held with the Ethiopian Federation of PWDs in connection with the International Day of PWDs to be marked on 3 December 2012, Hailemariam said a favorable situation has been created to enable PWDs to benefit from health, education as well as micro and small-scale sectors.

Hailemariam said efforts will be exerted to provide better assistance to PWDs and enable them to participate in development activities.

The Premier expressed readiness of the government to work in collaboration with pertinent bodies to curb socio-economic problems PWDs are facing.

The government would closely monitor appropriate implementation of relevant policies, Hailemariam said, and called on executives and the public to make all services accessible to PWDs.

This 2012 International Day of PWDs would be observed for 20th time in Ethiopia and for 21st time globally under the theme: “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all”.