The Ministry of Social Welfare has today launched Disability Awareness Month with a call for action from all stakeholders to rescue persons with disabilities from the devastating effects of disasters.
Minister of Gender and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza says persons with disabilities already face barriers to their full participation in society, as such disasters worsen their situation.
“This year’s commemorations will take place in Mulanje District as it is one of the districts that was hit hard by Cyclone Freddy. As such, this is an opportunity to engage communities and all other stakeholders in the district to implement preparedness
and recovery programmes that will not leave out persons with disabilities” said Sendeza.
On his part, a Board Member of the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi (FEDOMA), Charles Banda, appealed to government and relevant stakeholders to break down barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from achieving their full potential.
Malawi will commemorate the International Day of Persons With Disabilities on 8 December 2023.
Reported by Margaret Mapando