Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi-PODCAM

03/04/2026

To enhance the inclusive education system for children with disabilities, PODCAM hosted a validation workshop for the new Inclusive Advocacy and Communication Strategy on March 30–31, 2026, in Mponela.

The event was a core component of the TiKuMA Project, funded by NORAD and supported by Save the Children.

It featured active participation from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Gender, Malawi Human Rights Commission- MHRC, Malawi Council of Disability Affairs- MACODA, and various disability rights organizations like Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi- FEDOMA the Malawi Union of the Blind- MUB and Malawi National Association of the Deaf- MANAD.

Reflecting on the milestone, PODCAM’s Executive Officer, Lyness Manduwa, noted that the strategy marks a vital step toward securing the rights of children with disabilities within the education sector.

The strategy is scheduled for an official launch during the second quarter of 2026 TiKuMA project cycle.

25/03/2026

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The Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi (PODCAM) recently met with the District Health Management Team (DHMT) in Blantyre to share progress on advancing disability-inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The meeting reviewed last year’s achievements and set priorities for the year ahead.

PODCAM’s Project Officer, Fundikire MSusa, noted that 2025 brought significant positive impacts, especially for youth and women with disabilities in accessing SRHR services.
Msusa highlighted achievements such as stronger collaboration with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and SRHR partners through an advocacy meeting, training of 15 health workers that improved knowledge of inclusive care, and orientation of 45 youth with disabilities that boosted advocacy skills and formed peer support groups.

He further explained that the re-establishment of the District Disability Forum reinforced coordination, while an inclusive youth dialogue with 40 participants opened discussions on contraception, consent, and HIV prevention. Many youth committed to serve as peer educators, strengthening community-level advocacy.

Looking ahead, Susa emphasized that PODCAM will intensify lobbying with the Ministries of Health, Finance, and Gender to expand disability-friendly SRHR services and support the implementation of the Maputo Plan of Action.

The DHMT commended PODCAM’s progress and encouraged continued collaboration to ensure greater impact. Together, these efforts are breaking barriers and empowering girls and women with disabilities to claim their reproductive rights.

17/03/2026

Access to reproductive health services remains a challenge for women and girls with disabilities, prompting calls for urgent action from authorities.

The Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi (PODCAM) made the call through its Project Officer, Fundikire Msusa, during a community engagement meeting held in Blantyre on Saturday under the “Breaking Barriers to Women’s Reproductive Choices among Girls and Women with Disabilities” project, supported by Amplify Change.

Msusa stressed the need for a more inclusive health system, noting that women and girls with disabilities face discrimination, limited access to essential information, and inadequate facilities. He said the project aims to empower young people while identifying key gaps within the health sector.

“Very few health workers are trained in sign language, making it difficult for individuals with hearing impairments to receive proper care,” he said.

Participants at the meeting also highlighted the need for urgent improvements.

Patience Namalima Somba described the initiative as timely, saying it directly addresses the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities when seeking healthcare.

She further called for improved infrastructure in health facilities, particularly for wheelchair users.

According to Somba, installing ramps and ensuring accessible environments would allow persons with disabilities to access services with dignity and independence.

03/03/2026

Training CWDs on public speaking, storytelling and policy engagement has been described as vital in strengthening inclusive climate advocacy and youth participation in Malawi.

This was said on Saturday, during the training organised by the Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi (PODCAM) at the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi- FEDOMA premises in Blantyre.

Supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), the initiative aimed to amplify the voices of children with disabilities in climate action spaces.

Speaking during the session, Fundikire Msusa who is the Project Officer said empowering children with disabilities with communication and advocacy skills ensures their meaningful participation in national youth and environmental processes.

Msusa stressed that climate change continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, making it necessary for children with disabilities to understand policies and confidently articulate their concerns.

Chimwemwe Malichi, one of the participants said the training had changed how she views herself.

Before this training, I was afraid to speak in front of people, but now I know my story can help bring change in my community, she said.

She explained how extreme heat affects her health and mobility, adding that she plans to speak at her school about planting more trees and protecting the environment.

Other participants also demonstrated confidence by delivering short speeches and identifying platforms such as school assemblies and community youth forums where they intend to raise climate-related concerns.

17/12/2025

Look at what we have achieved together. For this inclusive action to be sustainable, it must start with you. So what are you waiting for? Rise up and take action now.

17/12/2025

You may not feel climate change yet, but children with disabilities already do. Although climate change affects everyone, children with disabilities are hit the hardest due to barriers to safety, information, and support. This is why urgent and inclusive climate action is needed now to ensure no child is left behind.

15/12/2025

This shared understanding demands a concerted and immediate effort to build a world where:

"Every person, particularly every child, including children with disabilities, deserves and is guaranteed safety, protection, and the right to thrive in the face of the climate crisis. This is a non-negotiable human right and the foundational measure of truly successful climate action."

This unified effort ensures we move beyond simply acknowledging the problem to actively designing and implementing solutions that leave no one behind. The efficacy of our climate response depends fundamentally on its breadth and fairness.

10/12/2025

09/12/2025

Inclusive climate action can't be inclusive enough if children with disabilities aren't at the table! Let's join forces & make sure their voices are heard! CWDs know best what they need - let's work together to build a sustainable future for ALL! 🌿💪

08/12/2025

A tree planted is the hope of a brighter future for all. Let's make sure everyone, including children with disabilities, can thrive in a sustainable Malawi

05/12/2025

Dear duty bearers,
As you are in the drivers' seat today. Children with disabilities are counting on you to steer us towards safer, more inclusive future. Are you ready to shift gears and prioritise our needs in climate action today?
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