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For Immediate Release Lusaka, Zambia – 30th January, 2025. The Zambia Agency For Persons Disabilities (ZAPD) is a statutory government institution established under the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 06 of 2012 with a mandate to plan, promote coordinate, regulate and administer services for and of persons with disabilities in the country. As we all might be aware, persons with disabilities are among the marginalized and vulnerable groups in society and they face various challenges to fully participate in society which is further heightened by discriminatory social attitudes. The extent of inequalities experienced by persons with disabilities in all areas of development is often as a result of shortcomings in the structural, social, political and cultural environments in which they reside, including lack of accessibility of physical and virtual environments; institutional and attitudinal barriers; exclusion; and unequal opportunities. We are also alive to the fact that persons with albinism face many challenges. Violence and stigma aimed at persons with albinism is widespread. Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically leading to an unsafe environment for persons with albinism. This is due to the general ignorance and myths associated with the condition. Grave among the challenges is the belief that their body parts can be used for charms and rituals. It is against this background that the Agency wishes to commend the courts for convicting Paul Banda, a 21-year-old man that murdered a 47-year-old man with albinism in Katete District, and handing him a life imprisonment sentence with hard labor. We further wish to commend our alert law enforcement officers who were investigating the matter and brought the culprit to book, for the efforts towards combating such crimes. Our call is for all stakeholders to be on the lookout to protect human dignity, happiness, health and safety of persons with disabilities most especially those with albinism. Significant achievement towards addressing the injustices that persons with disabilities face, can only be made through collaborations and strategic partnerships with various key players in society. As stakeholders we have a wide mandate to ensure commitments made both at international and local levels are achieved. ISSUED BY; ZAPD Public Relations Unit.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lusaka, Zambia – 23rd January, 2025 The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) emphasizes the importance of safe and responsible wheelchair distribution. We urge all stakeholders to involve physiotherapists in the process to safeguard users’ health and wellbeing. While we appreciate stakeholders efforts to supplement government initiatives and improve the lives of persons with disabilities, we strongly advise consulting the Agency or Ministry of Health on the distribution of assistive devices. According to the WHO Guidelines on the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less-Resourced Settings (2008), wheelchair distribution programs must provide wheelchairs based on individual needs, following a comprehensive assessment by a trained professional. This assessment ensures that the wheelchair is properly fitted, considering body size, shape, posture, mobility and functional needs. In addition to proper fitting, WHO guidelines emphasize the importance of offering comprehensive training on wheelchair use, maintenance, and repair. This training enables users to utilize their wheelchairs safely and effectively. Furthermore, follow-up services are essential for providing ongoing support and maintenance. WHO guidelines also stress the importance of involving users in the design and planning of wheelchair distribution programs. By adhering to these guidelines, stakeholders can ensure wheelchair distribution programs are safe, effective and empowering for users. To ensure proper fitting and usage, stakeholders are advised to consult ZAPD offices in all 10 provinces. Additionally, trained technicians and physiotherapists from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 5 provinces, as well as Ministry of Health-trained physiotherapists, are available for consultation prior to purchase or donating of wheelchairs. The Agency calls for collaboration to promote safe, accessible and empowering mobility solutions for persons with disabilities, integral to independent living and socio-economic development. Remember, compromising on user health is not an option. Issued by: Frankson Musukwa Director General Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) See insights and ads Boost post All reactions: 3737

A team from the and Social Services in collaboration with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, is conducting a five-day workshop in Livingstone to validate the draft children and adults functional assessment tools. The team is also drafting the road map for the National Disability survey earmarked for 2025. Speaking in his opening remarks, ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa emphasized the urgent need for the Agency to register persons with disabilities across the country, and issue them with disability certificates, which is a prerequisite in accessing various social protection services provided by government. Mr. Musukwa was however quick to caution against fraud in the process of certifying persons with disabilities. On the plan to develop the road map for the National Disability Survey, the Director General said it is only with a well maintained data Base that persons with disabilities can fully benefit from the services provided by government and various stakeholders. The workshop is made possible with financial support from the United Nations Children’s Fund.

ln the quest of ensuring that there is adequate adherence to the Cabinet Circular no. 30 of 2024 , ZAPD in Muchinga Province held a one day Accessibility Awareness meeting on the 5th December, 2024 with Various Provincial Heads of Government Departments. The essence of the meeting was purely to remind the HODs to take the lead by walking the talk of making modifications as guided by the circular. Officiating the event, Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Henry Mukungule, urged the Senior Government officials to strictly adhere to the Six months ultimatum given in the circular. The PS greatly appreciated ZAPD for it’s commitment in ensuring that accessibility for all is attained. He further appreciated Sight Savers for sponsoring the engagement.

Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Mr. Augustine Kasongo donates 11 pedal carts to the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities in Ndola. This compassionate gesture will alleviate mobility challenges, fostering greater independence, inclusivity, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia on November 6th, met with persons with Disabilities represented by officials from Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, at State house. The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities were part of the team that met the president. This is, not the last, but the first of its kind, as the president has pledged to be meeting with the Disability sector atleast twice on an annual basis. The recommendations submitted by the organizations included elevating the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to the office of the Vice President, expediting the process of implementing inclusive education in Zambia and an urgent need to nominate persons with disabilities to the National Assembly. Other recommendations were to Gazette the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) as a national official public Holiday, ratify the African Disability Protocol, and amend the Persons with Disabilities Act.

Commemorating the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Mongu, at Mongu Stadium. Comemorations kicked off with a Match-past from Bata Shoes at the Town centre to the Stadium. IDPD is celebrated annually on December 3rd, and it serves as a vital opportunity to promote awareness of disability issues and enhance the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities worldwide. This year, IDPD is being held under the theme “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” The theme highlights the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to take on leadership roles and actively participate in shaping policies and practices that affect their lives. It aligns with the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development. The focus is on ensuring that persons with disabilities are at the forefront of efforts to create inclusive and sustainable communities, emphasizing their leadership from local to global levels. #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with World Vision Zambia to promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). This partnership aims to address the specific needs of children and adults with disabilities in Zambia. Through this collaboration, World Vision Zambia will implement programs aligned with ZAPD’s strategies for persons with disabilities, as guided by the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012. By combining strengths, the two organizations will enhance inclusive service delivery, leveraging each other’s expertise and resources. At the signing ceremony, ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa pledged the Agency’s commitment to ensuring the success of the partnership. World Vision National Director Marc Nosbach expressed hope that this collaboration will facilitate for meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities and provide access to opportunities across various sectors, driving transformational change. This development marks a significant step towards promoting disability inclusion and social equality in Zambia.