By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, September 11. Mana: Malawi Council of Disability Affairs (MACODA) has called on stakeholders in Chiradzulu District to familiarize themselves with the newly enacted Persons with Disability Act of 2024, to better safeguard rights and welfare of people with disabilities.

MACODA Senior Rehabilitation Officer, Frederick Mazoko, made the appeal on Tuesday during a day-long orientation on the Act with stakeholders from government departments, civil society organizations, and disability forums at district level.

He said the Persons with Disability Act of 2024 marks a significant legislative step towards improving the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the country, with local councils playing a crucial role in its successful implementation.

“We are popularizing the new Act to ensure district officials are aware of the new provisions. They have obligations to fulfill which will guarantee that people with disabilities are enjoying their rights,” Mazoko added.

He said people that were trained are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring inclusion of persons with disabilities in district policies and programmes to foster disability-inclusive development.

“There are obligations outlined in the Act for the education sector to improve access to education among learners with disabilities in terms of accessibility of the facility, learning materials and provision of special needs teachers,” said Mazoko.

He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to promote and enforce the provisions of the new law to create an enabling environment where persons with disabilities could thrive and contribute effectively to Malawi’s development of the country.

Chairperson of the Chiradzulu District Disability Forum, Benard Maganga, commended MACODA for organizing the training, saying people with disabilities in the district often face discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and in social protection programmes

“For instance, people who are non-verbal struggle to access health services due to lack of sign language interpreters. But now that we are familiar with the new Act, we will ensure offices uphold its provisions,” Maganga said.

Chiradzulu District Council Director of Planning and Development, Henderson Kaumi, assured MACODA that the council will mainstream disability-related issues in its programmes and raise awareness about the Act across all development structures.

The new Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024 consolidates and repeals both the Disability Act of 2012 and the Handicapped Persons Act of 1971.