The Technical Coordinator for Social Protection and Systems Strengthening at the World Food Programme (WFP), Daniel Winter Putan, emphasized the critical importance of disability inclusion in social protection.
Speaking during a talk show on “Promoting Disability Inclusion in Social Protection,” hosted by NBS Television on Sunday, Putan underscored WFP’s commitment to saving and transforming lives through targeted interventions that address food security and nutrition risks.
“From the global mandate, we are focused on saving lives and changing lives. From that perspective, we have been working closely with the Government of Uganda to strengthen social protection systems and disability systems,” he said.
Putan noted that people with disabilities face unique risks and vulnerabilities, much like all other members of society, and highlighted the need for tailored interventions.
“At WFP, our main focus is on addressing risks related to food security and nutrition. We are aware that people with disabilities, like all others, experience a range of risks and vulnerabilities,” he said.
Putan also shared plans for collaboration with the Ministry of Gender to establish national guidelines for disability inclusion in social protection programs.
“We are planning, together with the Ministry of Gender, to establish national guidelines for disability inclusion in social protection programs. This is to ensure that these guidelines are integrated both into the design and implementation of these services,” Putan said.
Highlighting the need for a life-cycle approach, he emphasized that individuals face varying challenges at every stage of life.
“There are numerous risks and vulnerabilities across the life cycle. From birth to death, individuals face a variety of challenges and risks. As a child, one may face difficulties in school, and as a youth, other challenges arise. It is therefore very important that we address this in a deliberate and intentional manner,” he said.