By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, March 20, Mana:  Palliative Care Association of Malawi (PCAM) has distributed specially designed wheelchairs to 22 people with cerebral palsy in Machinga District to improve their mobility.

The recipients are 12 children and 10 adults.

Speaking during the distribution at Machinga District Hospital on Wednesday, PCAM Project Manager, Fred Chiputula, said although cerebral palsy cannot be cured, life of those with the condition can be improved through palliative care.

“Our goal is to provide holistic care, addressing physical, psychological and spiritual needs of people with cerebral palsy. We recognize that caregivers face immense challenges in providing round-the-clock care.

“The wheelchairs will go a long way in improving mobility and overall quality of life," he said.

According to Chiputula, 12 of the wheelchairs were donated by Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAPD), a non-profit organization that advocates for the welfare of people with disabilities.

He, therefore, expressed gratitude to MAPD for the support and encouraged communities to consult the organization to learn how to make similar wheelchairs to improve mobility of people with cerebral palsy.

Machinga district Hospital Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Flossy Fatch, commended PCAM for reaching out to people with cerebral palsy saying the initiative will ease mobility of people with the condition and ease caregivers’ responsibility.

"The main cause of cerebral palsy is premature birth that goes with complications during delivery. These complications can cause brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy,” Fatch explained.

She noted that many people with cerebral palsy face stigma and rejection in their communities, with some fathers abandoning their families due to misconceptions about the condition.

“It's essential to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and promote acceptance. We urge well-wishers to reach out to people with cerebral palsy as PCAM has done,” she said.

Catherine Sulani, a beneficiary from Traditional Authority Sitola, expressed gratitude to PCAM for the wheelchair saying it will enable her to care for her two-year-old son.

“The wheelchair is a huge relief to me. I will be able to do household chores and care for my son without having to carry him everywhere,” she said.

PCAM's efforts align with its mission to advocate for the availability and accessibility of palliative care services in Malawi.

It aims to improve the quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses.