By Faith Kanchuwa and Gift Banda
Children with cerebral palsy in five districts of Malawi are set to benefit from a life-changing project implemented by the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA). The project, under MACODA’s Survive and Thrive Project, aims to improve health outcomes for children aged 0-5 years with cerebral palsy.
During a symbolic handover ceremony for assistive technologies, MACODA Public Relations Officer Harriet Kachimanga emphasized that the project aligns with the organization’s mandate as outlined in the newly enacted Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024. “This project represents a significant advancement in our efforts to enhance the right to health care of persons with disabilities as it does not only address immediate medical needs of the children but also contributes to the long term well-being and dignity of these children.”
One of the beneficiaries, 11-year-old Amina Layisi, received a tricycle, which will enable her to move around independently and attend school with ease. Her mother, Sauda Silli, expressed gratitude for the project, saying, “Now that Amina has received a tricycle, she will easily go to school with friends. I will not have to carry her at the back every day as I have been doing.”
Motivation Charitable Trust Project Coordinator John Namalomba noted, “In this project, we are committed to transforming the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers. Already, we are seeing the impact on the ground. To date, 300 children have been assessed and recommended for assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, walkers, and positioning aids.”
The two-year project, funded with MK67 million, targets 1,200 children with cerebral palsy and has already established 30 parent support groups to share knowledge and gain skills in managing cerebral palsy.
