Disabled Children Association of Malawi (PODCAM) has called on the nation to prioritise the welfare of children with disabilities in disaster preparedness and climate change policies.
The association warns that these children, already among the most vulnerable, suffer disproportionately during crises.
Speaking at a dissemination workshop in Lilongwe on the outcomes of the Convention on the Rights of Children with Disabilities, PODCAM’s Executive Director, Lyness Manduwa, expressed concern that support for disabled children is often an afterthought.
“The current disaster policy does not explicitly address the needs of children with disabilities, leaving them exposed and unsupported,” said Manduwa.
Acting Executive Director of the Children’s Commission, Jessie Chiyamwaka, echoed the sentiments, highlighting severe impact recent cyclones and disasters have had on children with disabilities.
“Over 50 children shared their harrowing experiences, revealing how inadequate information and support exacerbated their suffering,” noted Chiyamwaka.
The Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA), stressed the need for clear, inclusive guidelines to safeguard children with disabilities during emergencies. FEDOMA’S Executive Director, Symon Munde, had this to say, “The impact on these children is immense, and we must act now.”
In his remarks, Disaster Recovery Officer at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Clement Chafulumila, acknowledged the challenges and promised that steps would be taken to better protect children with disabilities.
