Celebrating Inclusive Health Across the MENA Region – Special Olympics
Celebrating Inclusive Health Across the MENA Region Special Olympics
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The Week of Special Olympics Health in the MENA Region
Introduction
The week of 4-10 November marked a celebration of Special Olympics Health across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Special Olympics Health leaders, along with a representative from the Golisano Foundation, came together for a week filled with meetings, events, and health programming that both showcased and accelerated Special Olympics’ efforts within the region.
Key Moments
- A recognition ceremony honoring over 35 partner organizations and doctors for their dedication to Special Olympics, supported by Egypt’s Ministry of Sports & Youth and the Ministry of Solidarity.
- A Family Health Forum that provided a space for local families and caregivers to discuss and address the health needs of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Healthy Young Athletes screenings and a fitness demonstration showcasing inclusive health practices and the importance of preventive care.
- A visit to Dar Al Oyoun Hospital to learn more about the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® program as well as a visit to Cairo University’s Dentistry division where follow up care to referrals from Special Olympics Special Smiles takes place.
- Participation in Special Olympics Healthy Communities workshops at the International University of Rabat, alongside representatives from SO Morocco, SO Kuwait, SO Jordan, SO Oman, and SO Tunisia, as well as Healthy Communities presentations from SO Algeria, SO UAE, SO Lebanon, SO Saudi Arabia, SO Mauritania, SO Egypt, and SO Bahrain.
- Discussions with regional Health Messengers and recipients of local Golisano Health Leadership Awards in Morocco.
- The signing of two Memoranda of Understanding by SO Morocco with Moulay Youssef Hospital and the International University of Rabat, solidifying a commitment to expanding inclusive health practices within these institutions.
Reflections on the Visit
In many ways, the MENA site visit celebrated over a decade of exciting inclusive health work. However, they also highlighted the persistent health disparities faced by individuals with IDD in the region and how Special Olympics is helping to close these gaps.
Speaking to a reporter from Nile TV, Annemarie Hill shared, “We want to ensure that we expand the services that we offer. We know that there are a lot more people with intellectual disabilities across Egypt who right now are struggling to get the health care that they need, so we really want to show that we can expand not just to our Special Olympics athletes, not just to Cairo… but really ensuring that this level of health care is available to everyone with an intellectual disability, every day of the year, wherever they are—because that’s what healthcare means.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article:
- Number of partner organizations and doctors recognized for their dedication to Special Olympics (indicator for SDG 17.17)
- Number of screenings and fitness demonstrations conducted for athletes (indicator for SDG 3.8)
- Number of Family Health Forums held to address the health needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (indicator for SDG 3.8 and SDG 10.2)
- Number of Memoranda of Understanding signed to expand inclusive health practices (indicator for SDG 17.17)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. | Number of screenings and fitness demonstrations conducted for athletes |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | N/A |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Number of Family Health Forums held to address the health needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Number of partner organizations and doctors recognized for their dedication to Special Olympics Number of Memoranda of Understanding signed to expand inclusive health practices |
Source: specialolympics.org
