On July 18, the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH), in partnership with the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health (UNFPA), the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), the Witdenm organization, and UNESCO, officially launched a professional training program in massage therapy and support for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

This three-month training program is specifically aimed at people living with visual, hearing, or motor impairments (amputation). Its objective is to provide participants with solid professional skills, but above all, to guarantee them employment at the end of the process. This ambition is clearly expressed in the program's motto, "Yon fòmasyon = Yon Travay."

Secretary of State Génard Joseph, in his speech, reaffirmed his team's commitment to making the BSEIPH a strong, proactive, and committed institution, despite the country's economic constraints and structural challenges. This program marks a decisive step toward a Haiti where disability no longer excludes, but rather calls for action and respect for fundamental rights.

During his speech, Gabriel Thimothé, Director General of the MSPP, praised the commitment of the Minister of Health, Bertrand Sinal, whose unwavering support for the empowerment of people with disabilities. He also detailed the Ministry's concrete actions to support people with special needs :

• Integrating disability as a priority in the 2025-2030 National Health Plan;

• Providing care adapted to specific needs;

• Improving communication (braille, sign language);

• Establishment of mental health units in four departments;

• Hiring/integration of 50 people with disabilities into the healthcare system.

The Secretary of State thanked the Minister of Health for his unconditional support in the fight for social inclusion and health justice.

IH/ S/ iciHaiti