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Cameroon Disabled Protest Neglect as Coronavirus Spreads

Moki Edwin Kindzeka

   YAOUNDE - Hundreds of people with disabilities fanned out across
   Cameroon's capital Monday, protesting against the neglect they say
   they've suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaigners say
   social distancing rules have discouraged caregiving for the disabled,
   leaving many more vulnerable to the virus. Cameroon has seen nearly
   10,000 coronavirus cases and 276 coronavirus-related deaths, making it
   one of the worst-affected countries in Africa.

   Hundreds of people with disabilities visited markets, churches, mosques
   and public buildings to remind Cameroonians not to ignore them as the
   central African country deals with COVID-19.

   Among the campaigners was Coco Bertin, founder of the Club for the
   Rehabilitated Young Blind People of Cameroon. Bertin, who is visually
   impaired, says there are no braille documents explaining measures to
   combat coronavirus.

   "We heard that there were some posters to sensitize the people about
   this pandemic, but we can not be aware of it because we can not read.
   We need the government to get involved and to transcribe these
   documents," said Bertin.

   The campaign was organized by Jean Pascal Somb Lingom, president of the
   Association for the Promotion of Assisted Technologies and the
   Education of the Blind.

   Lingom, who is also visually impaired, saidthe government did not
   contact people living with special needs when explaining COVID-19
   prevention measures.

   "People who are on wheelchairs need specific measures to be able to
   have access to hand washing facilities to limit being contaminated by
   the virus. Hearing impaired persons need facilities that can help them
   have access to adequate information so that they can know what to do
   and how to do it so that they will not be affected," he said.

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