Kathmandu, July 17

The Embassy of Israel today distributed wheelchairs to 40 differently abled children at a programme held to mark

70 years of independence of Israel.

Speaking at the programme, Ambassador of Israel Benny Omer said he was happy that the embassy contribute to a humanitarian cause.

It is estimated that 65,000,000 people need wheelchairs worldwide. About one per cent of the total population or 10 percent of the disabled population need wheelchairs. While about 20 million of those requiring wheelchair for mobility does not have access to them.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gyawali said children with disability were provided special protection by the government. He said the differently abed, including children, were being provided social security allowance.

Prof Bhagawan Koirala, vice-chairperson of Karuna Foundation Nepal said that environmental and attitudinal barriers were the major challenges for people with disabilities in Nepal and added, “Time has come to break all barriers and myths to bring this population into the mainstream.”