A section of people with hearing impairment from Mombasa county have benefited from special masks to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus, courtesy of the Coast Association for Persons with Disability [CAPD].

The special transparent masks makes verbal communication easier compared to the normal masks used in the fight against the virus.

They were also given food to cushion them against the economic effects of the deadly virus.

Fatma Mohamed Ngoto a nurse from the Coast General Hospital who is also in charge of sign language was at hand to offer some lesson on how to use the masks and maintain hygiene during a ceremony held in Tudor, Wednesday afternoon.

Fatma said lack of sensitization and civic education is a big challenge in the fight against the spread of the virus.

CAPD  Chief Executive Officer Hamisa Maalim Zaja said her concern is to ensure they defeat the virus blaming the government for neglecting them during this tough times.

"I am doing the program purely on humanitarian principles. The government should also focus on people living with disabilities, they cannot go out and fight for the relief food and masks as it is with other people. ," she said.

Zaja also called on the government to produce special masks saying the masks currently in the market are are not appropriate for the persons living with hearing disabilities.

"It's not possible to communicate in sign language without using lips and making gestures and this is hard with the masks we currently have in the market''. She said

The CAPD boss she  understands the challenges they face in the person and will always champion for their rights.

She promised to extend the program to other counties in the coast region.

"Let me assure you that I will ensure you have enough food supply during these challenging times of the coronavirus," she said.