Community Initiative on Health and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Babil
Young Leaders Program graduate Sajjad Al-Hilali, from Babil Governorate and a member of the sixth cohort, with the support of Tammuz Organization for Social Development, and in cooperation with Babil Health Directorate and Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital (PBUH) – Persons with Disabilities Unit and Media Department, implemented a community awareness initiative that involved preparing and distributing a brochure entitled “Health Is a Right for All… and Initiatives Make a Difference,” in addition to conducting awareness-raising discussions with a number of medical and health staff at the hospital.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the right of persons with disabilities to access inclusive and accessible health services, emphasizing the importance of involving them in the design and implementation of community initiatives. It also sought to promote awareness of physical and mental health, as well as the importance of prevention, early detection, and health rehabilitation.
The discussions addressed the importance of creating more inclusive healthcare environments, raising awareness of the health needs of persons with disabilities, and involving them in programs and projects related to their lives and needs. The initiative also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between communities and health institutions in support of the concept of “Health for All.”
The idea for the initiative emerged while Sajjad was staying at the hospital to receive treatment following a surgical procedure. He used his recovery period to implement an awareness-raising activity from within the health institution, transforming his experience as a recipient of healthcare services into an opportunity for dialogue and raising awareness about health and the rights of persons with disabilities.
This initiative is part of a series of community initiatives implemented by program graduates after completing the program, reflecting their social responsibility towards their communities and their commitment to serving society and raising awareness of various social and humanitarian issues.
It is worth noting that the Young Leaders Program aims to develop community leaders and is implemented annually by Tammuz Organization for Social Development in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. Six cohorts have graduated from the program so far, with more than 160 young women and men from different governorates, religions, sects, and ethnic groups.
