By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, February 13, 2025, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, has commended World Vision for its donation of wheelchairs for children with disabilities and medical equipment valued at $378 577 approximately MK643 million stating that this donation is to assist children with disabilities in various health centers and hospitals across the country.

Chimpeni made these remarks during a handover ceremony of the donation on Thursday held at the Health Education Unit offices in Lilongwe.

He said that the donation is timely and that the ministry recognizes World Vision as an international partnership of Christians dedicated to working with the poor, promoting health, fostering human transformation, seeking justice, and spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God.

He expressed gratitude that World Vision is committed to working with the poor and oppressed, and acknowledged the government's role as a partner in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, especially those with disabilities.

Chimpeni also said that government appreciates how World Vision’s priorities align with the government's Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Malawi National Disability Act.

“As a government, we are doing our best to ensure that children and people with disabilities have access to education, good health, well-being, water, sanitation, hygiene, and other social amenities without discrimination based on disability,” he said.

He commended World Vision and the Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP) for their efforts in ensuring the success of the Able to Thrive project, which promotes the holistic development of children and communities in Mzimba North, Kasungu, Dowa, Ntchisi, and other districts.

"The government supports institutions with frameworks and policies that empower them to operate independently while helping to achieve its 2030 agenda.

“On behalf of my ministry and other government agencies, I am thankful that this implementing year of the Able to Thrive project will benefit 4,700 children with disabilities, along with their caregivers in the mentioned districts,” Chimpeni added.

He expressed appreciation for World Vision’s gesture in providing the 340 wheelchairs and other medical supplies, which will significantly improve health and care for the people saying that these items will greatly facilitate the implementation of projects and activities, enhancing the overall impact on the targeted beneficiaries.

“The wheelchairs will alleviate mobility challenges faced by children in the project areas, while the medical supplies will support our hospitals. As a government, we will continue collaborating with our partners to enhance the lives of people affected by disabilities,” he said.

Charles Chimombo, Director of Operations at World Vision, said that the organization is committed to promoting access to services for children with disabilities in the country.

“We are handing over 340 wheelchairs to MAP Bwaila, MAP Kachere, MAP Rumpi, and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Additionally, we are donating medical supplies to 20 district hospitals, 20 health centers, and two referral hospitals: Kamuzu and Mzuzu Central Hospitals” he said

He also commended the partnership with the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) and Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP) for their dedication to disability inclusion, which has fostered a collaborative environment.

George Chiusiwa, Director General of the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), stated that this donation will ensure the wheelchairs reach their intended beneficiaries, thus reducing the mobility and accessibility challenges faced by many children with disabilities in the country.