By Faith Kanchuwa and Gift Banda
Children with cerebral palsy in five districts of Lilongwe, Mchinji, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay and Mangochi are receiving a life-changing assistive technology boost through the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA)’s Survive and Thrive Project.
The project, which is being supported by Motivation Charitable Trust, is aimed at improving health outcomes for children aged 0-5 years with cerebral palsy.
During symbolic handover ceremony for assistive technologies at Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimwala in Mangochi, MACODA Public Relations Officer, Harriet Kachimanga, said the project is a boost to the organization’s mandate as enshrined 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.”
“Key project activities include outreach rehabilitation clinics conducted every three months. These clinics bring together physiotherapists, nurses, health surveillance assistants, MACODA officers, and volunteer facilitators to provide physical stimulation exercises, screenings, and assessments.”
Sauda Silli, mother to 11-year-old Amina Layisi of Kawechere Village in Mangochi who is one of the beneficiaries, says her daughter’s life will change following her involvement in the project.
“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. This will also give me time to focus on other activities for the benefit of our family while she independently moves around. She is a very happy child,” said Silli.
On his part, the Motivation Charitable Trust Project Coordinator, John Namalomba “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, said Namalomba, 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, began in July 2023 and is expected to conclude in May 2025 and targets 1200 children with cerebral palsy.
So far, the initiative has established 30 parent support groups comprising ten members each, where parents meet twice monthly to share knowledge and gain skills in managing cerebral palsy.