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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.

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), a quasi-government institution under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services together with the American based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are impressed with the impact of various assistive devices on persons with disabilities across the country. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023, which culminated in the church donating over 450 assorted assistive devices valued at K2.5million, meant to support the Government’s efforts in improving accessibility and mobility for persons with disabilities. The team from the Church is currently in Zambia to gather feedback from beneficiaries in selected parts of the country, interact with the assessors and technicians and evaluate the progress of the initiative following the completion of the distribution exercise in December. The visit, led by the Wheelchair Specialists Jon & Marcia Dow, aims at assessing the feasibility of transitioning to a second phase, which would include the donation of additional wheelchairs and training. Following the arrival of the assistive devices in Zambia, the Church, in collaboration with UNICEF and ZAPD, conducted specialized training for occupational therapists to ensure the devices are customized to meet individual needs. A total of 24 physiotherapists and technicians from Western, Southern, Luapula, Eastern, and Muchinga provinces received training from facilitators from the Church based in the United States in mid-2024.