By Lisa Lamya

Blantyre, August 30, Mana: Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) said it requires assistive technology to encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in the Paralympics.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, President of the committee, James Chiutsi cited that prices of mobility devices such as wheelchairs are costly such that most persons with physical disabilities feel they cannot participate in sports, as they cannot afford them.

“We do not have a partner presently who can take up these expenses. At times we have failed to access simple walking sticks and when it comes to prosthesis equipment it is tough for us to purchase them,” Chiutsi stated.

He added that those who render support usually priorities persons with disabilities who already rely on assistive devices for their livelihood.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games held from August 28 to September 8, Malawi is represented by visually impaired athletes.

“For visually impaired athletes at least they just need glasses and eye ointment among others which is not that costly as compared to other assistive equipment,” Chiutsi added.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have joined forces to highlight transformative impact of assistive technology on sports during the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

This initiative will be carried out under ‘Equipped for Equity’ campaign, emphasizing crucial role of assistive technology for Paralympic athletes to advocate for concerted global action to improve access to these essential health products.

In a joint statement released on August 28, WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the role that assistive equipment plays in aiding Paralympic athletes.

“Around the world, many people still do not have access to crucial assistive technology, due to its high cost and low availability. We call on governments, donors, and civil society to prioritize these neglected but critical products, by integrating them in primary care programmes as part of their journey towards universal health coverage,” Ghebreyesus said in the statement.

Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC, noted, "The Paralympic Games are one of the few global events that place persons with disabilities at the forefront, showcasing how assistive technology enables athletes to compete at the highest level. These technologies allow them to redefine what is possible in sports and inspire millions around the world.”

Locally, MPC has been working on a project known as Para-sport Against Stigma where they provide assistive technology such as eyeglasses and hand devices among others.

WHO estimates that access to assistive technology remains severely limited in many parts of the world, with more than 2.5 billion people in need of assistive technology across the world.