Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) has unveiled results of its research, shedding light on the numerous challenges faced by people with disabilities during disasters such as floods.
Speaking inside Zodiak's Sunrise Malawi program on Monday, CARD's Executive Director, Melton Luhanga, revealed such groups are often left out of crucial risk reduction programs, exacerbating their vulnerability in times of crisis.
Luhanga highlighted a stark reality that many people with disabilities struggle to access early warning information during disasters. This was evident during this year's Cyclone Freddy, which extremely affected persons with disabilities.
As a response to the outcry, a consortium comprised of Christian Blind Mission, with CARD at its helm, alongside the Federation of Disability Organisations of Malawi and the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA), with funding from the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) is set to launch an innovative program. Titled "Enhancing disability inclusive disaster risk reduction capacities and strengthening resilience against climate related disasters," this initiative will kick off on August 29th, 2023, at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre.
The project is targeting Traditional Authorities Tengani and Mlolo in Nsanje, two areas that have been particularly susceptible to climate-related disasters.
Spanning a duration of three years, the project's overarching theme is "Let's put our hearts on persons with disabilities during disaster risk reduction and emergency response." By placing a strong emphasis on inclusivity and resilience-building, CARD and its partners aim to create a more equitable and safer environment for all, regardless of their abilities.
We invite you to stay with us for further updates on this vital program. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and ensure that nobody is left behind in the face of disaster.
