As a fourth wave of Covid-19 pandemic poses a threat to Malawi, The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 has assured that it will not leave behind the people with different disabilities in all its programs. 

This has been said by the task force co-chairperson, Dr Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma, when YFM online asked him if there are any specific measures put in place by the committee concerning people with disabilities.

This comes in relation to the July findings by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) which revealed that Covid-19 response in Malawi lacked disability inclusion.

In his response, Dr. Chalamira Nkhoma admitted that in the past persons with disabilities were indeed left out but the recent strategies have seriously involved them, including consultations with organisations representing them.

Dr. Chalamira Nkhoma said: “Let me confess that MHRC was right in its report because when we started the response to the pandemic we may not have thought through everything so some people, including persons with disabilities might have been left behind.”

However, he said they eventually started putting in deliberate measures such as hand sign interpreters on television messages.

He further said a new strategy has also been released which has specifically indicated on how to engage with these special groups.

He cited the release of National Communication Strategy of 2021-2026 which identifies particular areas to be promoted in order not to leave anybody behind.

Furthermore, he said UNICEF provided financial support to government where every district has been provided with a vehicle with the aim of expanding services to everyone.

According to July report findings by MHCR, on feasibility of COVID-19 interventions in relations to persons with disabilities, the overall COVID-19 response in Malawi lacked disability inclusion from consultations, planning design and execution.