Launching Screening examination for persons with disabilites in Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue Provinces

The Inclusion 1 Project is being implemented in Thua Thien Hue, Quang Tri, and Quang Nam provinces during the 2023–2026 period. The project is funded by USAID and managed by the National Action Centre for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET) under the Ministry of National Defence, with CCIHP as the project management unit. ACDC is one of the key implementing partners.

The screenings were held at commune and township health stations and delivered by multidisciplinary rehabilitation (rehab) teams, including provincial and district-level specialists in rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and nursing.

Most persons with disabilities (PWDs) were examined at commune and district health stations. However, for special cases such as individuals living alone, those with severe or extremely severe disabilities, or those unable to travel, the teams visited their homes for assessment and counseling.

By July 10, nearly 1,668 persons with disabilities had been screened. It is expected that 400 persons will receive rehabilitation interventions, 180 persons will be supported with assistive devices, 620 persons will receive home-based care, and 80 persons will be provided with counseling on independent living and social inclusion.

Persons with disabilities receiving detailed counseling on rehabilitation interventions at Binh Dinh Bac Commune Health Station, Thang Binh District, Quang Nam Province

This activity was highly appreciated by local authorities, health workers, persons with disabilities, and their families for its humanitarian value and the commitment of relevant agencies towards persons with disabilities.

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Phuc, Rehabilitation Department, Duy Xuyen District Health Center, Quang Nam Province, shared:

“This is the third year the project has been implemented in Duy Xuyen District, and also the third time I have participated in community-based screenings. All of us in the team are very happy to contribute, even in small ways, to something so meaningful for persons with disabilities in the community. Many persons with disabilities rarely have the opportunity to be examined or meet specialists like this, so they were truly happy and eager when we arrived. Even when we cannot provide immediate interventions, the professional health advice we offer is already very valuable for them.”

Screening team conducting home visits for assessment and counseling with a person with cerebral palsy in Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Hue Province

Mr.N.V.H., a person with a disability in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, expressed:

“Today I was examined by the ACDC team, and I feel very happy and grateful. I hope one day I will have a prosthetic leg so I can walk again. The doctors treated us very kindly, which makes me even more thankful. There were many patients here, but after the examination, we understood our health conditions better and received valuable advice from the doctors.”

Similarly, Ms. T.V.A., a caregiver from Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, shared:

“My husband is a person with a disability and we were really hoping for the project’s support. I want to learn more skills to better care for him so he can live a healthier and happier life.”

Dr. Nguyen Van Hoang from Phu Vang District Health Center, Thua Thien Hue Province, added:

“This year’s screening activities have improved significantly thanks to ACDC’s coordination, including better scheduling and clearer, easier-to-use forms for the team. The home visits also allowed us to better assess the condition of persons with disabilities and design more suitable interventions.”

Following the screenings in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam, the project is expected to continue the next phase in Quang Tri Province in August.