First Lady Esther urges development of Disability Management Information System

First Lady Esther Lungu has called on government to urgently develop a Disability Management Information System that will ensure that evidence based practices are implemented.

First Lady Esther Lungu

Mrs. Lungu says lack of data and information on disability and disability related indicators at national level contribute to the invisibility of persons with disabilities in official statistics.

She says this presents a major obstacle to achieving development planning and implementation that is inclusive of persons with disabilities.

And Mrs. Lungu has urged government to ensure that the current massive infrastructure development taking place in the country is inclusive of all people’s needs.

Mrs. Lungu notes that Zambia is a fast developing country and as such government must ensure that upcoming infrastructure is disability friendly.

Speaking when she officiated at the international Day for Persons with Disabilities in Lusaka today dubbed “Inclusion matters, access and empowerment of people of all abilities”, THE First Lady called on Zambians and the community at large not to discriminate against persons with Mental and Psychosocial disabilities because they represent a significant proportion of the world’s population.

She says there is need for the country to endeavor to empower persons with disabilities in order to enhance their capacities and support them in setting their own priorities.

Speaking at the same event,Community Development Minister Emerine Kabanshi says her Ministry has developed a national policy on disability with a view to mainstream disability issues across all ministries and sectors.

Ms. Kabanshi adds that government has introduced a number of programs and opportunities aimed at alleviating the suffering of the poor including persons with disabilities in need of help.

And Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Board Chairperson Julien Mwape has commended government for its commitment to addressing disability issues.

She says promoting inclusiveness should not be the business of government alone, but business for all individuals, families, communities, organizations as well as private entities.