Vulnerable Groups and the Excluded
The Excluded
Between 1998 and 2002, the Social Welfare Department has registered 273 persons with disabilities (PWDs) ranging from sight, hearing, movement, absence of feelings etc. (see Table 1.20 below). The highest among them being difficulty in moving (35.8%), followed by sight impairment (26.0%).

However, there are no facilities for the treatment of the PWDs apart from the eye clinic at the Methodist hospital, which serves the general public. Besides, there are no specialised educational institutions for the PWDs, and they have no access to public buildings due to inappropriate architectural designs.

The Vulnerable groups
In the District, five vulnerable groups have been identified. These are: a) women b) children c) physically and mentally challenged d) elderly, 60 years +) orphans and widows. The Department of Social Welfare is currently mounting campaign against child betrothal, female genital mutilation and advocating for female empowerment.

Refer to pdf file attached for tables