DAR ES SALAAM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Wednesday pledged to support Tanzania in ensuring full participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making in issues affecting them.

Mark Schreiner, the UNFPA country representative for Tanzania, said protecting and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities is a human right imperative and is essential for continued strong economic growth in the country.

Schreiner made the remarks in a meeting between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and persons with disabilities held at Chamwino State House in the capital of Dodoma.

Schreiner said Tanzania needs solid data and evidence on persons with disabilities in order to deliver on its commitment to achieving its development aspirations as set out in its development plans. He also said the August 2022 Population and Housing Census will provide a unique opportunity for an update of the situation of persons with disabilities in Tanzania by age, sex, disability and geographic location.

"There is a need to understand their potential and their realities to inform national planning, policies and programs and determine resource allocation to implement Tanzania's commitments to promote the rights of persons with disabilities," he stressed. - Xinhua