Refugee settlements are often scenes of severe hardship, where basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare are scarce. In these challenging environments, the needs of people with disabilities are frequently overlooked. Refugee populations often have higher rates of disability due to conflict, violence, and poor living conditions. Disabilities can range from physical impairments to sensory and cognitive, each requiring specific accommodations and considerations. People with disabilities are at a higher risk of malnutrition. Mobility impairments, for example, may limit their to access food distribution points. Sensory disabilities might make it difficult to communicate needs or navigate unfamiliar environments. Cognitive disabilities can complicate understanding of nutrition information and self-care practices. Malnutrition exacerbates existing disabilities and can lead to new health problems, creating a vicious cycle of declining health. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining physical strength, supporting immune function, and enhancing quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Disability inclusion in nutrition interventions is not only a matter of equity but also a necessity for the health and well-being of refugees with disabilities. By addressing the unique barriers, they face and implementing inclusive practices, we can ensure that everyone in refugee settlements has access to the nutrition they need to survive and thrive. It is imperative to note and address the barriers specific to each type of disability such as Physical Barriers (uneven terrain, long distances to food distribution points, lack of mobility aids preventing people with disabilities from accessing necessary nutrition services, Attitudinal Barriers (Stigmatization and discrimination against people with disabilities can lead to neglect and exclusion from community resources including nutrition programs and lastly Communication Barriers where nutrition information is often not provided in accessible formats, such as braille, sign language, or easy-to-read materials. This limits the ability of people with disabilities to make informed decisions about their diet and health.
Nutrition actors such as KRC-Uganda can therefore employ various strategies to ensure disability inclusion (Leaving No One Behind). Conducting comprehensive assessments to understand the specific needs of people with disabilities within the refugee population including identifying the types of disabilities present and the unique barriers each group faces in accessing nutrition. Training and Capacity Building of staff on disability awareness and inclusion including the appropriate communication methods, and strategies for making nutrition services accessible but also the general Infrastructure and Accessibility component. Furthermore, providing nutrition education and information in accessible formats is also considered crucial (using multiple communication methods) including visual aids, sign language interpreters to ensure everyone can understand and benefit from the information provided.
Last but not least, organizational efforts in developing and implementing Inclusive Policies at programing level including budgeting for disability specific activities but also accommodation fees. Organizations can incorporate the universal design principles to ensure that nutrition programs are accessible to everyone, not only people with disabilities but also people with special needs such pregnant women, little children and so on. Lastly local partnerships are paramount to building the capacity and leveraging the local disability organizations’ expertise in designing and implementing inclusive interventions.
In conclusion, streamlining disability inclusion in nutrition interventions in refugee settlements is crucial for ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to essential resources and by adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach that addresses the specific needs of people with disabilities, refugee settlements can create a more supportive and equitable environment for all. Continuous monitoring, community involvement, and capacity building are key components of successful disability inclusion efforts and through these strategies, we can make significant strides toward a more inclusive and just humanitarian response.
M&E Officer presenting on behalf of KRC-Uganda on the progress of disability inclusion in the nutrition interventions during the LNOB phase 1 and 2 evaluation workshop in Kyaka. | Participants during the Leave No One Behind Phase 3 workshop, attended by the M&E officer, Fort portal. |
By: BALINDA IRENE
M&E Officer- TSFP/MCHN project- Kyaka II Refugee Settlement
