7 in 10 Indonesians with Disabilities Don't Fully Grasp Covid-19 Health Protocols

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Seven in every 10 Indonesians with disabilities do not fully understand the health protocols that are in place to control and prevent the transmission of Covid-19 in the country, according to the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection.

This is based on a quick review with the Organization of People with Disabilities Network in Response to Covid-19, said Deputy Assistant of the Ministry’s Child Protection and Emergency Situation and Pornography Division Ciput Eka Purwianti.

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“Only 30 percent of Indonesian people with disabilities understand the information on Covid-19. The other 70 percent haven’t fully grasped the Covid-19 health protocols,” Ciput said in an online discussion held on July 3. The virtual meeting with the group originally took place in April 2020.

A lack of access to information that is correct, accurate, and understandable was stated as the reason a significant portion of the community could not comprehend the new rules.

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Ciput attributed the assessment to the notion that Covid-19 media information has not been made adequately accessible to Indonesian people with disabilities.

“Seventy percent haven’t understood, let alone observe, [the health protocols],” said Ciput.

From the 70 percent, around 61 percent have stated that they have attained sufficient information about the Covid-19 virus and the health protocols.

However, they are unsure of how to implement the country’s Covid-19 health protocols.

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One in every 10 (or 11 percent) have pre-existing conditions putting them at greater risk of contracting Covid-19 than any other group.

It doesn't help that the coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected their daily activities.

Their access to public services has been cut off as well due to the crisis, and this has had a significant impact on their well-being, said Ciput.

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The country’s special needs schools have also been affected, and Indonesian children with disabilities who are in the rehabilitation phase are unable to conduct therapy.

“Due to the limited social mobility to break the chain of transmission of the Covid-19 virus, all public services came to a stop, thus leading them to experience difficulties,” the Deputy Assistant said.

On June 23, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection distributed packages to the people with disabilities, senior citizens, women, and children.

The packages included basic goods and other essential needs. 

(Writer: Deti Mega Purnamasari | Editor: Fabian Januarius Kuwado) 

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/07/03/12500041/70-persen-penyandang-disabilitas-belum-pahami-protokol-kesehatan-covid-19