The Ebenezer Community Development Organization (ECOD) has pledged to integrate the needs of people with disabilities into all future project planning and implementation.

Following an awareness training hosted by the Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO), ECOD’s Acting Director, Faston Bwanali, emphasized the need to account for the extra costs that people with disabilities often incur—such as assistive devices like crutches and hearing aids.

“Support for people with disabilities must go beyond the basics. These additional expenses are critical to addressing the real barriers they face,” Bwanali said.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that social protection programs, such as the social cash transfer initiative, consider these extra costs in their disbursements.

“People with disabilities should not be overlooked. Their needs must be fully included in both planning and budgeting processes,” he added.

Alice Mwale, from the Mzimba North District Social Welfare Office, welcomed ECOD’s commitment, noting that recognizing the unique needs of people with disabilities is key to reducing inequality.

“It’s essential that both government and organizations work together to close the gap and ensure full inclusion,” she said.

Josiah Ngala, Senior Block Leader for Chibavi West, criticized the frequent exclusion of people with disabilities from programs where they should be key beneficiaries.

Currently, MZUDO—supported by the Disability Rights Fund—is running initiatives to increase the inclusion of women with disabilities in both social development and climate change programs.