The World Vision Malawi has donated specialized wheelchairs for children and medical equipment to hospitals and communities across the country.
The donation, valued at approximately $378,577.49 (K662,889,184.99), aims to enhance mobility and accessibility for children with disabilities and has been widely commended by government officials and disability rights advocates.
Speaking at Bwaila Health Unit in Lilongwe during tthe handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Noah Chimpeni expressed gratitude for the timely support, emphasizing its impact on healthcare and education accessibility.
He also expressed gratitude for World Vision’s commitment to supporting the poor and oppressed, while recognizing the government’s role as a crucial partner in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, particularly those with disabilities.
“This donation will go a long way towards assisting our children and improving healthcare delivery. The wheelchairs are not just for mobility; they are designed with features that allow children to use them as desks, making it easier for them to attend school,” said Chimpeni.
Chimpeni also emphasized the government’s appreciation for how World Vision’s priorities align with the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Malawi National Disability Act.
In his words, George Chiusiwa, Executive Director of the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), echoed the sentiments, stressing the importance of ensuring that the equipment is properly utilized.
Chiusiwa also noted that such assistive devices are often unaffordable for many households, making this donation a significant milestone in promoting disability inclusion in the country.
“The issue of accessibility for children with disabilities is paramount. These wheelchairs will facilitate mobility, allowing children to access education and other essential services. It is our duty to ensure that they are used effectively to benefit the intended recipients,” he said.
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, World Vision Malawi Director of Operations Charles Chimombo reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children through its Able to Thrive project.
He also acknowledged the role of the government in ensuring the efficient distribution of the donated equipment, which will benefit 20 district hospitals, 20 health centers, and two central hospitals—Mzuzu Central Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital.
“We focus on the well-being of the most vulnerable children, and children with disabilities are among them. This donation is part of our larger project aimed at reaching 4,700 children with disabilities over the coming years,” said Chimombo.
He also commended the partnership with the MACODA and Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP) for their dedication to disability inclusion, which has fostered a collaborative environment.
The donation comes at a time when children with disabilities in Malawi continue to face significant challenges in accessing education and healthcare due to mobility constraints and poverty.
According to MACODA, 11.6% of Malawi’s population consists of persons with disabilities, with children making up about 30% of this group, and lack of assistive devices remains a major barrier to their inclusion in society.
The supplies include 342 wheelchairs for children with disabilities, 25 million medical sponges, 6,400 medical gowns, scrubs, and lab coats, 2,300 surgical drapes, and 49 medical examination beds. These will be distributed to 20 district hospitals, 20 health centers, and two referral hospitals, namely Kamuzu Central Hospital and Mzuzu Central Hospital.
