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Cameroon strengthens humanitarian aid for disabled during natural disasters
In Cameroon, as in many parts of the world, disabled individuals are among the most vulnerable during natural disasters. According to an online advocacy platform, four out of every ten disaster victims in the country are people with disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive disaster response.
The vulnerability of disabled persons in Cameroon stems from their reduced mobility due to physical, sensory, mental, or intellectual impairments. Social barriers further limit their access to full societal participation. The country is home to over five million people with disabilities.
The platform “Inclusive Society for Persons with Disabilities” urges the government and civil society to integrate disability considerations into emergency responses, including floods, landslides, and fires.
“When a disaster strikes, it is extremely difficult for a disabled person to escape or respond like an able-bodied individual. Imagine a blind person or someone paralyzed during a fire. Without assistance, their chances of survival are minimal. This is why we advocate for governmental action,” said Emmanuelle Tchotchom, Executive Director of the platform.
Boniface Mvondo, humanitarian officer at the same organization, emphasized that disabled people have specific needs for effective care, such as accessible spaces and essential equipment like wheelchairs.
These recommendations have led to the “Leave No One Behind” project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Handicap International. The initiative ensures that humanitarian and development projects prioritize the most vulnerable groups in Cameroon, including disabled people and refugees.