They are among the poorest of the poor. According to the World Bank statistics, one in five of the world’s poorest people are disabled, and many of them live in low and middle-income groups.
A lack of opportunities means many of them are forced to remain confined to their houses. On the other hand, due to inadequate awareness in societies, persons with disabilities are not accepted as a useful human resource in economic development.
There is a dire need for putting in place an information bridge administered by persons with disabilities themselves, because they are the best advocate of their issues.
Zahra is one of the many children now thriving thanks to a Sightsavers programme to screen school students for eye conditions and health problems.
Noor, a short film about the impact of childhood visual impairment, has been selected for the ‘Best health film’ category at the Cannes World Film Festival.
The charitable foundation is raising £35,000 for Sightsavers’ work in Pakistan through its Sprint for Sight campaign.