Abstract:
Eswatini ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol in 2012, subsequently developing the
National Disability Policy. Regardless of this ratification and the best intentions of
the National Disability Policy, healthcare disparities still exist between persons with
and without disabilities. This study aims to describe the barriers experienced by
persons with disabilities when accessing healthcare services by focussing on the
accounts of persons with disabilities themselves, caregivers of persons with
disabilities and healthcare professionals. A further aim was to propose
recommendations to address these identified barriers. A qualitative case study
approach utilising focus groups was employed. Participants for the three focus
groups were purposively selected. Data was analysed using a framework approach,
employing Nvivo 1.5 qualitative analysis software. Findings revealed that access to
healthcare for persons with disabilities was a challenge in Eswatini due to the
unavailability of resources in the form of rehabilitation healthcare practitioners and
assistive devices; lack of reasonable accommodation especially for persons with
visual and communication impairments; stigma and discrimination;
transportation costs as a result of the distance of healthcare services; and the lack of
social support grants. Recommendations from this study propose an urgent need for Eswatini to be deliberate in implementing initiatives such as disability
conscientisation programmes to address stigma and discrimination and to create an
awareness of especially communication and visual disabilities. Intersectoral
involvement, community engagement projects as well as addressing policy gaps are
essential if Eswatini intends to mitigate these barriers.
