Government has started the distribution of assistive devices to persons with various disabilities across the country.
Through the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF, 300 wheelchairs, 180 crutches and 20 walkers will be distributed in five provinces namely, Muchinga, Eastern, Southern, Luapula, and Western.
Trained clinicians and physiotherapists have also been incorporated into the partnership to ensure that each person is assessed to get the correct device for their disability.
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Kawandami has described the development as a huge milestone in addressing mobility challenges and further assured that technical training among people with disabilities will be enhanced to enable for repair and maintenance of the devices.
Ms Kawandami has acknowledged that there is still a huge deficit in assistive devices which the government is however working tirelessly to address.
And ZAPD Director General, Mr Frankson Musukwa says the partnership demonstrates the commitment of the Government and its partners to promoting inclusivity and empowerment for all.
He further notes that government’s dedication to breaking down mobility barriers and ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the country’s development is encouraging and should be supported by all stakeholders.
