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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.

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.