President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called on state and non-state actors working in disaster management and climate change spaces to pay attention to how they assist persons with disabilities in times of disaster.

Dr Chakwera said this at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe during the launch of the MACOHA Flag Week.

The President said the key players should ensure that their provision of assistance does not violate rights or compromise the lives of people with disabilities.

Dr Chakwera said there is a need for the nation to recover from disasters and build resilience which he said is critical for persons with disabilities adding the practice and promotion of inclusivity must start with celebrating and embracing the personhood of those with disabilities.

He said his administration’s policy of inclusivity is in line with Malawi 2063 and also the pillar of prospering together in his super High Five Agenda.

In his remarks, Executive Director for MACOHA, George Chiusiwa, said this year they intend to mobilise K35 million and the funds realised will go towards recovery programmes for people with disabilities who were affected by Cyclone Freddy.

Over 234,000 people with disabilities were affected by Cyclone Freddy of which 47,000 were displaced.

Dr Chakwera has since donated K2 million towards the Flag Week which will run from 17 to 24 November 2023.

The MACOHA flag week is being commemorated under the theme: “Socioeconomic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Affected by Cyclone Freddy Means for Recovery After Disaster.”