Healthcare Communication Crisis for Nigeria's Deaf Population
Millions of Nigerians living with hearing disabilities face significant barriers when seeking medical care, with most hospitals lacking professional Sign Language Interpreters (SLIs) to facilitate communication between deaf patients and healthcare providers.
Recent surveys reveal that fewer than 7% of deaf patients have access to interpreters in Nigerian healthcare facilities, creating dangerous communication gaps that can lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
The Deaf Community's Struggle for Medical Care
Across primary and secondary health centers in states including Lagos and Abuja, interpreters are completely absent, forcing deaf patients to rely on family members or written notes to communicate complex medical symptoms and treatment procedures.
Mr Hassan Ridwan, Chairman of the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) in Kwara State, expressed the community's frustration. "Healthcare workers cannot fully understand our needs, and our communities have lost people due to misdiagnosis. Others develop phobia about visiting hospitals because there is no interpreter to help us."
Ridwan further criticized state governments for overlooking the deaf community's needs in healthcare services, noting that the absence of provisions for sign language interpreters has increased both physical and mental suffering.
Critical Role of Professional Interpreters
Mr Ameen Ibrahim, Chairman of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters in Nigeria (ASLIN), emphasized that interpreters serve as the lifeline for deaf individuals in medical settings.
"Sign language interpreters are the lifeline of the deaf community, especially in the health sector. Without them, doctors may misdiagnose, and deaf patients struggle to explain their symptoms. Many have to rely on family members or private interpreters, who may not have professional training," Ibrahim explained.
He stressed that improving access to professional sign language interpretation represents both a legal requirement under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act of 2018 and a moral imperative for inclusive healthcare.
Broader Implications and Expert Recommendations
Prof. Joy Shu'aibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, highlighted the wider social consequences, noting that people with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty and have limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Medical professionals also voiced concerns about the mental health impact. Dr Monsuru Awodun, President of the Association of Resident Doctors, warned that neglecting deaf patients can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health complications due to feelings of stigmatization and isolation.
Experts are urging the government and healthcare institutions to take immediate action by:
- Employing professional Sign Language Interpreters in hospitals
- Providing regular training for medical staff on disability inclusion
- Integrating disability-inclusive practices into health planning
- Ensuring implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act
With approximately 9.5 million Nigerians living with hearing impairment according to NNAD statistics, addressing this healthcare accessibility gap represents an urgent priority for the nation's public health system.
