By Jean de Dieu Ndayisaba.
As the world marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities alongside a week dedicated to disability inclusion, at least 50 people in Rusizi District received prosthetic and assistive devices to support their daily lives.
However, the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in the district says the number of people still waiting for such support remains very high, calling for an increase in the budget allocated to this program.
District authorities acknowledge the concern, saying efforts are ongoing to increase funding, although they warn that available resources may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand immediately.
The distribution ceremony was held in Kamembe Sector and benefited people with various disabilities, including children whose education had been affected by the lack of mobility aids.
Sr. Philomene Mukamugenga from St. Emillia, a school that supports children with disabilities, said three of their learners received assistive devices. She explained that the children previously struggled to walk, which made it difficult to attend school.
“Some of them used to walk with great difficulty and often injured their knees. Getting from where they sleep to school was a real challenge, but we believe these devices will greatly improve their situation,” she said.
Nyirambarushimana Leoncie, a resident of Nkanka Sector, said her child had delayed starting school due to the lack of a wheelchair.
“My child should have started school at the age of three, but he is now nine years old. The wheelchair he has received will help him reach school and live like other children,” she said.
The Rusizi District Coordinator of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Hagenimana Sylver, said that although 80 people have already received prosthetic and assistive devices this year, many others are still on the waiting list. He urged the district to increase the budget dedicated to supporting people with disabilities.
“There are still many people who need these devices. Without additional funding, many of them will not be reached,” he said.
The Vice Mayor of Rusizi in charge of Social Affairs, Mukakalisa Francine, confirmed that the request is justified and promised that the district will continue to increase the budget gradually, within its financial capacity.
“These are our people, and we will keep adding support as resources allow. However, the number of people in need keeps increasing, so not everyone will be assisted at once,” she said.
According to figures from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in Rusizi District, more than 14,000 residents live with disabilities. This year alone, 200 people were assessed by medical professionals and confirmed to be in need of prosthetic and assistive devices. So far, only 80 of them have received the support, leaving many others still waiting.
