Ousman Jallow, Global Initiative for the Support of People with Disabilities
By Seedy Jobe
The founder of the Global Initiative for the Support of People with Disabilities (GISPD), Ousman Jallow, has disputed claims that The Gambia’s 2021 Disability Act is being effectively implemented, arguing that persons with disabilities continue to face significant gaps in services and support nationwide.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr. Jallow said that while authorities cite measures such as the establishment of a disability council, provision of monthly allowances, and orthopaedic support through social welfare, these efforts do not reflect the realities experienced by beneficiaries.
“We must be honest with the public. The majority of persons with disabilities are not experiencing the support being described. The disability bill may be approved, but meaningful implementation is still missing,” Jallow said.
Mr. Jallow highlighted the state of the Social Welfare Rehabilitation Centre as a key concern. Once a primary provider of wheelchairs, repair services, and prosthetic support, the facility is now, according to him, inadequately equipped to meet even basic needs.
He recalled a period when assistive devices such as wheelchairs were issued promptly, repairs handled without delay, and prosthetic limbs provided free of charge.
“Today, families are being told to buy materials for prosthetic legs. Many simply cannot afford it,” he noted.
According to Mr. Jallow, GISPD receives daily appeals from persons with disabilities and their families seeking assistance with mobility equipment, education support, food aid, medication, and emergency relief. “This is not what implementation looks like,” Jallow stressed.
He further pointed to rising costs of assistive devices, noting that wheelchairs, which were previously distributed at no cost through donations, now sell for between D5,000 and D15,000. He attributed the increase largely to high shipping and port charges.
Mr. Jallow urged the government to consider reducing fees on imported mobility equipment, encourage renewed support from donors and shipping agents, and strengthen the capacity of social welfare rehabilitation services.
He also called on the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, the Disability Council, and other stakeholders to adopt a more transparent and collaborative approach in addressing the challenges facing persons with disabilities.
“Persons with disabilities are being failed every day. We need honesty, urgency, and a clear roadmap for implementation,” he said.
Mr. Jallow further appealed for unity among disability advocacy groups, emphasizing that collective action would be critical in advancing progress.
“If we work together, we can push for at least 70% implementation of the disability bill by 2027. Disability rights are human rights, and we will continue to advocate until real change is achieved,” he added.
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