Every Life Matters (ELM)

Program Date : Phase 1- 2017 to 2020 Phase 2- 2021 to 2023 (Ongoing)
Main Project Partner : DPO
Date Posted : June 25th, 2021

Summary : The Every Life Matters project aims to mainstream disability inclusion through the healthcare system in Rwanda with a focus on eye care and sexual reproductive health rights. ELM is partnering with 14 health centers, 9 sexual rights health centers, and 5 eye care units in three countries : Mozambique. Ethiopia, and Rwanda. During the first phase of the project, ELM focused on sexual reproductive health rights The project produced a disability inclusion scorecard that tested the inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities at healthcare centers. It also produced baseline data about the persons with disabilities usage and quality of care in 3 districts. Furthermore, this project mobilized and encouraged youth with disabilities to learn about sexual health reproductive rights through peer education and conducted peer-educated training for sexual reproductive health. ELM formulated a routine and joint mentoring program to continue this education and de-stigmatization. Additionally, with the Coronavirus pandemic happening in the middle of the project, a baseline assessment on the effects and needs of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 was conducted. Food, hand sanitizers, and masks were then provided to vulnerable families. Moreover, deaf individuals who did not know sign language were given the opportunity to learn sign language in 2 different districts.

Community understanding, opinion, and support are important for getting persons with disabilities sexual health rights and proper health care. Radio and Television messages were relayed to the public. COVID-19 messages were interpreted in sign language to get valuable information to everyone, including the hearing impaired.

Phase two would like to scale down and Mozambique will exit the project. It focuses on 2 goals : design, test, and adapt disability-inclusive intervention in the healthcare system as well as stimulate collaboration between healthcare providers, persons with disabilities in organizations, and specialized institutions working in the area of health with a focus on eye care health. ELM does not only want to help the disabled community but takes a holistic approach to benefit, with inclusion and adaptive services, the entire community. The project will focus on sustainable and long-term practices. This phase will improve its lobbying and self-advocacy tools with national and local persons with disabilities organizations. As well as, improve the community-level referral system by improving the linkages with community-based rehabilitation services, access to information by families, and engage private health service providers. Additionally, this phase will have a stronger emphasis on inclusive eye care services and persons with intellectual disabilities.

Contact for Further Information : infos@uphls.org