Malawi has turned to continental collaboration to strengthen disability inclusion and rehabilitation services by hosting the Fourth African Disability Collaboration (ADC) Summit in Lilongwe. The three-day gathering has brought together delegates from across Africa to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and promote practical solutions aimed at improving the lives of nearly two million persons with disabilities in Malawi.
Officially opening the summit on Monday, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Thom Navicha said the event presents an opportunity for Malawi to learn from successful disability programmes implemented in other African countries while also showcasing local innovations.
She described the summit as a vital platform for expanding access to services and building stronger regional cooperation in disability inclusion.
Navicha said the government is committed to working closely with organisations championing disability rights, including Fount for Nations, development partners and civil society organisations. She noted that the collaborative approach aligns with President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s call for collective responsibility in addressing national development challenges and improving the welfare of vulnerable groups.
She added that delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Africa, Lesotho and Nigeria will share experiences and explore innovative approaches to disability prevention, rehabilitation and inclusive development.
The minister expressed confidence that the summit would generate practical ideas capable of strengthening disability services across the continent.
Despite progress in promoting disability inclusion, Navicha acknowledged that Malawi continues to face serious financial challenges in the sector, revealing that the Department of Disability operates under limited resources. She said increased investment and stronger partnerships are essential to expanding access to quality services for persons with disabilities.
Executive Director of Fount for Nations, Patience Mkandawire, said this year’s summit places greater emphasis on practical action rather than discussions alone. She explained that one of the key priorities is the early identification and intervention of developmental disabilities among children, stressing that timely support can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Mkandawire said nearly 40 percent of children in Malawi are at risk of developmental delays or disabilities, yet many are only identified after enrolling in primary school. She highlighted the Early Identification and Intervention Programme, implemented jointly by Fount for Nations and the Ministry of Health, which has already reached more than 15,000 children through developmental monitoring, screening and referral services integrated into public health facilities.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Dr Esmie Kainja, said Malawi’s hosting of the summit demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
She said the gathering marks the beginning of broader collaboration among government, development partners and disability organisations aimed at delivering practical, sustainable and inclusive outcomes.
The summit will conclude with community outreach activities, including therapy and rehabilitation services targeting about 500 persons with disabilities. Minister Navicha is also expected to unveil a symbolic Wall of Commitment outlining actions pledged by stakeholders over the next 12 months. Running from Tuesday to Thursday, the summit features conference sessions, a learning visit and community outreach activities designed to strengthen partnerships and accelerate disability-inclusive development across Africa.
