ZAPD

Lusaka, Zambia – Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) Minister, Doreen Mwamba, has called on all government ministries and agencies to integrate disability inclusion into all programming and budgeting processes. In a speech delivered on her behalf by MCDSS Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami during the launch of the 2025 National Disability Policy and Disability Mainstreaming Guidelines, Ms. Mwamba emphasized that the event represents not only a call to action but also a national commitment and a shared vision for a Zambia where every citizen, regardless of ability has equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all aspects of life. The Minister highlighted the persistent inequalities faced by persons with disabilities, including limited access to basic services, employment, infrastructure, and communication. She noted that these challenges continue to contribute to high poverty rates among persons with disabilities, an issue that demands urgent and sustained action. To this end, she stated that the Government is committed to moving beyond rhetoric into an era of implementation, accountability, and impact, with the newly launched policy and guidelines serving as key instruments in that transformation. “The guidelines provide a practical framework to dismantle the structural and attitudinal barriers that continue to marginalize persons with disabilities,” she said. “Their implementation will pave the way for tangible progress, enabling persons with disabilities to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s social, economic, cultural, and political development,” she added. Ms. Mwamba also expressed gratitude to cooperating partners, civil society, organizations for persons with disabilities, government ministries, and all stakeholders who contributed financial and technical support towards the development of the two documents, commending their unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. And UNDP Resident Representative, James Wakiaga, in a speech delivered by Assistant Resident Representative and Governance Advisor Gregory Saili, reaffirmed the United Nations Development Programme’s support for Zambia’s efforts to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities. He emphasized UNDP’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice in monitoring public resource allocation and expenditure. Meanwhile, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities Board Chairperson, James Kapembwa, urged all stakeholders to come together to ensure the full implementation of the policy and guidelines. He called for their translation into budgeted actions, alignment with sectoral strategies, and the establishment of robust monitoring systems to keep disability inclusion central to national development. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Inclusion and Rights also pledged its support, committing to advocate for increased budgetary allocations, capacity building, and legislative reforms necessary for the realization of the policy’s goals. Speaking on behalf of the Caucus, Lundazi Member of Parliament Brenda Nyirenda reiterated Parliament’s readiness to champion disability inclusion through legislative oversight and continued advocacy. And in his vote of thanks, Mr. Lackson Chipato, who spoke on behalf of persons with disabilities, appealed to Parliament to consider increasing the number of nominated Members of Parliament with disabilities from three to at least 10 under Bill 7 currently under discussion. He argued that the current proposal of 3 out of 45 nominated MPs is insufficient for meaningful representation. Mr. Chipato also extended appreciation to the government and stakeholders for developing the two key documents and affirmed the commitment of persons with disabilities to actively contribute to their implementation.

A group of organizations led by, and for persons with disabilities, with support from the Norwegian Government (NORAD), has launched a powerful 5-year program called Collective Action for Disability Rights (CADiR). The program seeks to promote equal participation of persons with disabilities across sectors such as education, health, economic empowerment, human rights advocacy, and climate change response. Speaking at the launch, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, commended the Norwegian Government for its continued support and stressed the importance of inclusive development. She announced that government will allocate at least 15% of the social and humanitarian response budget to disability inclusion, and finalize legal instruments to support accessibility in education, health, and employment. The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) and other key stakeholders welcomed the initiative, calling it a practical model for unity and impact. The program is expected to strengthen collaboration among organizations of persons with disabilities, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure that disability inclusion becomes central to national development.

Lusaka, Zambia – The government is set to distribute assistive devices worth over K2 million to all provinces, Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba has announced. Speaking during the donation of pediatric wheelchairs to children with disabilities at Bauleni Special Needs School, Ms. Mwamba said the procurement process is already underway, with more consignments expected from international partners in the coming months. “A shipment from the Baptist Church is expected to arrive in June, followed by a forty-foot container from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in September. These devices will be distributed before the end of the year,” she said. The minister reiterated government’s commitment to promoting equal access and opportunities for persons with disabilities. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Infrastructure to ensure that public buildings become accessible to persons using wheelchairs and others with mobility challenges,” she said. Ms. Mwamba thanked cooperating partners for their continued support, noting that the donated devices will enhance mobility, promote independence, and empower children with disabilities to pursue their dreams. She added that assistive devices like the ones donated to Bauleni Special Needs School play a critical role in enabling access to education and reducing the number of children who lack such tools. The minister also commended teachers at the school for their dedication. “Every child deserves equal access to services, opportunities, and a chance to thrive,” she said, affirming government’s commitment to inclusivity in education, health, and social participation. In a related development, Ms. Mwamba directed the Department of Social Welfare to consider including mothers who care for children with disabilities in the next cycle of Social Protection programs, such as the Social Cash Transfer. Meanwhile, Sister Yvonne Mwalula of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary expressed gratitude to the government and stakeholders, pledging continued support to create a nurturing learning environment. Bauleni pupil Emmanuel Zimba shared his excitement and appreciation for the support the school is receiving, calling it a sign of hope for children with disabilities.

The Zambian government has endorsed the Amman-Berlin declaration on disability inclusion with a reaffirmation to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities in national development. The Amman – Berlin Declaration calls upon nations to uphold the principle of 15 percent of all international development programs implemented at the national level actively pursue disability inclusion as an objective. The endorsement was made at the 3rd Global Disability Summit (GDS) currently taking place in Berlin, Germany, with the Zambian delegation being led by, Ambassador Mrs. Winnie Natala Chibesakunda, who is accompanied by, among others, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services director for Social Welfare, Mr Nelson Nyangu. Zambia has therefore presented its national position on the progressive strides made towards disability inclusion and has submitted its 2025 commitments on disability inclusion, all of which are designed to ensure that persons with disabilities lead dignified and inclusive lives. Ambassador Chibesakunda and the Zambian delegation also participated in a high-level meeting of the Global Disability Fund, where countries shared perspectives on the importance of ensuring that development initiatives under the fund directly impact persons with disabilities while amplifying their voices in decision-making processes. The Global Disability Summit serves as a unique global platform aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities while bridging the gap between disability inclusion and international development cooperation. Ambassador Chibesakunda has since reiterated Zambia’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities are safeguarded and promoted at all levels of national development. No insights to show Boost a post All reactions: 1919

Mbala District, March 31st, 2025 — the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) recently participated in a five-day ‘Transformed Disability for Leaders’ training program, held in Mbala District from March 24-28, 2025. The program, which aimed to enhance leaders’ understanding of disability inclusion through a biblical lens, provided valuable insights on how to better integrate persons with disabilities into all sectors of society. Facilitated by esteemed leaders, including Pastor Peter Chila, the training emphasized the importance of inclusion and the need to recognize the value of persons with disabilities in every aspect of community life. ZAPD Northern Province Coordinator Jane Mulenga, alongside other local leaders, gained crucial knowledge and skills that will help further the mission of the Agency in the area. Ms. Mulenga said the training was an enriching experience, not only for personal growth but also for the development of the community’s efforts towards disability inclusion. She added that the training has equipped participants with the tools they need to advocate for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and ensure their integration into all facets of life, from education to employment. During her visit, the coordinator also took the opportunity to visit 19 children from Mbala and Mpulungu districts who were undergoing corrective surgeries, including clubfoot treatments, at Mbala General Hospital. These children, supported by church leaders from Operational Mobilization- Zambia’s Mpulungu branch, are receiving essential medical care that will improve their mobility and quality of life. Operation Mobilization-Zambia has been instrumental in supplementing government efforts by providing support to children with disabilities, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusion and empowerment. Their work aligns with ZAPD’s mission and provides a vital resource for local communities.