Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, Senior Health Reporter
WHEN Covid-19 pandemic first made headlines in 2020, thousands of information education communication (IEC) materials were created to educate people on how to prevent the spread of the virus.
While some could read, listen and even watch materials on Covid-19, those with hearing impairments were left out.
For months, millions heeded the call, wore masks, practised hand hygiene and social distancing as suggested by health experts while the deaf estimated to be about 360 million worldwide had no tailor-made public health materials.
In Zimbabwe about a million people have a hearing impairment and these are part of those who for the longest period could not access public health messages in sign language, one of the country’s official languages.
Sign language is recognised in the National Disability Policy.
“Persons with Disability must be free to express their opinions, to seek, receive, and share information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice,” reads the National Disability Policy.
The Sunrise Sign Language Academy chairman and founder, Mr Douglas Mapeta recently composed the first Covid-19 song in Sign Language to cater for the deaf.
The song which is available virtually on Facebook and other platforms, has made rounds globally and was featured in Deaf News, a global news channel about activities of deaf in sign language.
In the song, Mr Mapeta and 17 other interpreters drawn from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Liberia and Ghana start by explaining where Covid-19 came from, how it spreads and kills.
The three-minute song also covers World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended measures which have been in place since the outbreak of the global pandemic.
In an interview, Mr Mapeta said the song was composed in partnership with the National Aids Council to help the deaf access the lifesaving information on Covid-19.
“Despite the noble initiative to have people aware of the pandemic in IEC materials, the Deaf community was left behind as usual. Songs were composed about Covid-19 but they were only for those without hearing disabilities and we wondered how the Deaf were going to know about the pandemic and precautionary measures to be used,” said Mr Mapeta.
“Many deaf people face challenges to access healthcare services as the healthcare workers aren’t fluent in sign language. The majority of face masks in circulation hinder communication as some deaf people rely on lip-reading,” he said.
Mr Mapeta said the deaf still face a lot of challenges in accessing information and services in Zimbabwe hence the need to step up interventions to foster inclusion.
He said sign language as an official language should be taught in school as many Deaf aren’t examined in their language.
Mr Mapeta also said due to the fact that sign language is not taught in schools, many deaf are not in school which jeopardises their future prospects.
“Many healthcare facilities need to embrace sign language so that the deaf can access healthcare services in the language of choice. Many people contracted Covid-19 because of lack of knowledge and our frontline workers too could not do anything as they too do not have an appreciation of the sign language,” he said.
Mr Mapeta said sign language is the basis, route directory for the enjoyment of any other basic human right for the deaf.
Ms Tinotenda Matinyarare, who has a hearing impairment said the Covid-19 song had brought relief and joy to her community as they could finally be in touch with the reality in the world.
“We knew something was happening in the world but we could not understand as no communication was done in sign language. We also could not easily access healthcare services as our practitioners cannot use sign language,” said Ms Matinyarare.
She said during the first days of lockdown they used to be harassed by police for breaking curfew laws but had not been informed.
Ms Matinyarare said the plight of the deaf had also been worsened by the absence of people with hearing impairment in political circles.
“The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services needs to avail updates in sign language so that we all benefit. Even the Cabinet briefing needs a sign language interpreter so that we also access important announcements at the same time with others,” said Ms Matinyarare. — @thamamoe
Online Reporter