Vice-President Saulos Chilima says the country should put physically-challenged people at the heart of all initiatives aimed at uplifting their plight.
Chilima was speaking at his Capital Hill office when he officially inaugurated this year’s Flag Week for the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (Macoha) yesterday.
“We should play a role in the equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities so that they can in turn play a role in the socio-economic development of this country,” he said.
He further urged donors and development partners to join government by funding rehabilitation programmes and services for persons with disabilities.
Earlier, Minister of Gender, Disability and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati said the country has come up with several initiatives in health, education and social sectors aimed at reducing the plight of the disabled.
She also said government will incorporate people with disabilities in this year’s cash transfer programme as part of their economic empowerment.
In his remarks, Macoha executive director Peter Ngomwa said 6 277 persons with disabilities were treated in the last financial year.
“The flag week promotes awareness among stakeholders and the public on the need to equalise opportunities for persons with disabilities. It also intends to lead to the achievement of disability mainstreaming in all sectors of society so that they can play an active role in the socio-economic development of the country,” said Ngomwa.
