have successfully repaid their loans. Communities also hire PWDs to work as guards in
schools, clinics, water supply systems, micro-dams, closures, etc.
During the reporting period 32,541 acquired land for farming in their respective
communities, 18,407 were given land for housing and 368 got employment opportunities
354.
The CBRP has also helped PWDs to access community based resources and services.
Records show that PWDs (62% of males and 38% females) benefited from the social
rehabilitation through different community assistances. Accordingly, the farm lands of
31,763 PWDs were ploughed and harvested, their houses constructed and repaired and
provided financial assistance by the communities estimated at about ERN 10,166,500.
355.
Physical rehabilitation is also implemented in the CBRP and the critical role of the CBRP
Volunteers cannot be overemphasized. The objective of this community led initiative is to
enable PWDs improve their physical and psychological situation. More than 28,035 have
benefitted from the activities performed at village level. The most frequent activities are
movement (26.6%), behavioral (17.6%), self-care (14.1%), counseling for epilepsy (12.1%) and
communication (10.8). About 34% of the beneficiaries at village level were females.
356.
The contribution of CBRPs in addressing the problems of children with disability is
significant. Local supervisors are engaged in both active and inactive rehabilitation services.
Children with disability are offered services by local supervisor or referred to regional
hospitals, orthopedic workshops and physiotherapy centers for further assessments and
rehabilitation. Regular follow up by the supervisors is also made to sustain the improvement.
(iv)
Special Medical Services for PWDs
357.
The provision of free medical service to PWDs has improved since independence and is a
result of the Government‟s strong political commitment to strengthen the health security of
its population. The GoSE, through the MoLHW, fully covers medical expenditures for over
7,000 war-disabled persons with severe disabilities including their families. Physiotherapy
services are also available in 6 hospitals/clinics in Asmara and 5 in the regions.
Furthermore, the MoH provides free mental health services to people living with mental
disorders and seizure. This is because people living with strange behavior (e.g. epileptic) are
put under life-long treatment, and hence they cannot afford to pay for the drugs they take on
a daily basis. Mental health service is provided in a limited number of national and regional
hospitals. St. Mary Psychiatric Hospital in Asmara gives inpatient and outpatient mental
health services at national level.
(v)
Special Needs Education
The GoSE is working hard towards “Education for All”. As a result, access to education
increased since independence and the country is progressing well towards achieving its
commitment to universal primary education. Inclusive education has also been integrated in
358.
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