PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs)

Afghan Refugees settled in refugee villages in Pakistan have limited access to public health and rehabilitation services. The population is not used to avail the rehabilitation services available in public sector health facilities whereas the services are also rarely available in public sector. The non-availability of rehabilitation and health care services to this population of concern will result in poor health indicator and consequently increased morbidity and dependency. As refugee population is financially vulnerable and compromised, the chronic impairments will turn into disabilities resulting in increased number of people who cannot perform to their maximum potential for the wellbeing of the society.
8.2% of all Afghan refugees and 15% of adults(18 years and above) have disabilities. With refractive errors being the most commonly reported disability. To address this issue, FPHC has been working in collaboration with UNHCR since 2020 to provide Rehabilitation and Health services to the Afghan refugees residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
FPHC carries out interventions such as holding sensitization and mobilization sessions with community on disability and protection. Along with it we also identify persons with disabilities (according to the guidelines approved by UNHCR). These people are provided psycho-social counselling and are referred for advanced assessment. Furthermore, they are also supported in advanced medical care for sensory and physical disabilities.