General

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