21 Nov 2022

The support of stakeholders to road traffic accident survivors is critical in enabling them to bounce back to life again.

This was said by the Motor Vehicle Fund (MVA) customer service general manager, Ms Mpule Ditirwa during a therapy session organised by MVA for road traffic survivors who were left with spinal injuries, amputation, and other forms of permanent disability in Gaborone Friday.

She implored stakeholders to play a leading role in supporting the survivors for them to bounce back to life.

Ms Ditirwa said current MVA Fund database statistics indicate that a total of 185 road traffic accident survivors across the country were left with spinal cord injuries, and a total of P54 million was used for their medical costs claims.

She said this was a serious challenge not only for public health but also a social and economic issue that the government spent millions of Pulas on each year.

As a result, she said collective efforts from other stakeholders could make a difference, and that survivors required more than just medical care as they also required attention to their mental health and well-being.

“Other stakeholders’ efforts could also bring in the support system and motivation that some of the survivors require to rebuild their confidence and enable them to live their lives to the fullest despite their disabilities,” she said.

The therapy session was themed ‘Living life to the fullest; victory over disability.’

This was done to instil hope in survivors and to encourage stakeholders to continue developing transformative solutions to ensure not only inclusiveness but also accessibility and equity for people with disabilities.

The goal of the day was also to raise awareness about various types of disabilities caused by road traffic accidents as well as to encourage the public to accept survivors and find ways to live with them, and engage them in daily activities at workplaces and in the community.

Ms Reginah Gabriel, a road traffic accident survivor who is also a teacher by profession, encouraged fellow survivors to develop a positive mind-set in order to cope with and adapt to their new lifestyles.

“This was the most difficult phase I found myself in; one minute I was able, and the next minute I woke up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life; I didn’t know where to begin.”

“Throughout it all, I kept a positive attitude and made the best of my situation; I am proud that I never lost my job as a teacher and that today, despite my condition, I am still serving the country,” she said.

Ms Gabriel stated that maintaining a positive mindset would not only benefit survivors, but it may also help caregivers develop a sense of hope and cope as they continued to assist survivors with some of their daily routines. Ends