Activists Call for Sign Language Training for Health Workers

The consequences of this communication barrier can be severe. Misunderstandings may lead to delayed treatment, missed follow-up appointments, or failure to comprehend medical instructions.

The Association of Persons with Disabilities Living with HIV and Tuberculosis (ADPHA) has called on the government to mandate sign language training for health workers to bridge communication gap that hinders hearing-impaired individuals from accessing essential health services.

The appeal comes after reports from the Masaka sub-region revealed that patients with hearing impairment are struggling to obtain proper healthcare due to health workers’ inability to communicate with them effectively.

Recent assessments by ADPHA Uganda show that many rural health centres are ill-equipped to serve patients with hearing impairment.

The absence of sign language interpreters and the lack of training for health workers in alternative communication methods have created significant barriers for hard of hearing individuals seeking medical care.

The core issue lies in the communication breakdown between hard-of-hearing patients and healthcare providers.

Without sign language proficiency, many persons with hearing impairments find it difficult to express their medical concerns, understand diagnoses, and follow treatment instructions.

This gap not only delays care but sometimes leads to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatments.

“We’ve had many cases where deaf patients leave health facilities without fully understanding their condition or the prescribed medication. This is a clear violation of their right to health,” said Richard Musisi, executive director of ADPHA Uganda.

“The health sector must prioritise sign language training for healthcare workers to ensure equal access to healthcare for all Ugandans.”

While sign language is recognised as an official language in Uganda under the Persons with Disabilities Act, activists argue that its practical implementation within the health sector remains limited.

“We are requesting the District Health Officers (DHOs) to collaborate with NGOs like ADPHA to provide sign language training for health workers, as Uganda currently lacks institutions offering such training for medical personnel,” noted Dr Isabella Mable Nyirazihaabwe, Greater Masaka’s supervisor for tuberculosis and leprosy.

Peter Kyeyune, a deaf farmer from Kalungu District, shared his frustrations over the lack of communication support at a health centre.

“When I tried to explain my symptoms, the health worker didn’t understand me,” he recalled through interpreter Joseph Kintu.

“They wrote things down, but I could only guess what they meant. It made me feel neglected.”

Hearing-impaired patients like Kyeyune often face similar challenges. In many cases, written notes are used as a form of communication, which can be problematic for individuals with limited literacy or unfamiliarity with medical terms.

Others rely on family members to interpret for them, raising concerns about privacy and dignity.

The consequences of this communication barrier can be severe. Misunderstandings may lead to delayed treatment, missed follow-up appointments, or failure to comprehend medical instructions.

In cases requiring urgent care, this lack of effective communication could be life-threatening.

Dr Idd Matovu, a senior medical officer, acknowledged the issue, stating, “Health workers often feel unprepared to serve hard-of-hearing persons because they haven’t been trained in sign language. As a result, communication breaks down, negatively impacting patient outcomes. This is an issue that needs immediate attention.”

Disability activists are now urging the Ministry of Health to implement a nationwide sign language training programme for healthcare workers, particularly those in public health facilities.

They are also advocating for the recruitment of professional sign language interpreters at key service points like outpatient departments, emergency rooms, and maternity clinics.

“The lack of sign language interpreters in health facilities is unacceptable,” said Musisi.

“The government must invest in inclusive healthcare by training medical personnel in basic sign language and hiring full-time interpreters in major hospitals.”

Incorporating sign language into the healthcare system would not only improve outcomes for hard-of-hearing patients but also foster a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment, according to activists.

They further recommend the use of visual aids, videos with sign language interpretation, and simplified written materials to ensure that deaf patients are well-informed about their health needs.

“Healthcare is a basic human right, and no one should be denied access because of a language barrier,” Musisi emphasised.

“With the right training and resources, Uganda’s health system can become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the deaf community.”