88. The language of provision has changed in order to incorporate the new paradigm towards
people with disabilities. Section 23 on the rights of children also has included, with special
note, ‘children with disabilities’ as entitled to State assistance and reasonable maintenance.
89. In May, 2012, Malawi passed the Disability Act which provides for equalization of
opportunities for persons with disabilities through the promotion and protection of their
rights; provides for the establishment of a Disability Trust Fund, among other things.
90. The main areas for equalization of opportunities include health care services; education and
training; work and employment; political and public life; cultural, sporting and recreational
activities and services; housing; economic empowerment; information and communication
technologies; and research. The Trust Fund is established mainly to support the
implementation of disability programmes and services.
91. Malawi signed the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) on 27th
September, 2007 and formally ratified the same on 27th August, 2009. The Department of
Disability Affairs which was previously under the Ministry responsible for Social Welfare
has evolved into a stand-alone and fully fledged Ministry which also couples with the
Department for the Elderly. The Human Rights Commission has also since 2013
established a Directorate of Disability Affairs to handle the human rights aspects of
disability issues.
Article 14: Health and Health Services
1. Every child shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health.
2. States Parties to the present Charter shall undertake to pursue the full implementation of this right and in
particular shall take measures:
(a) to reduce infant and child mortality rate;
(b) to ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children with emphasis on
the development of primary health care;
(c) to ensure the provision of adequate nutrition and safe drinking water;
(d) to combat disease and malnutrition within the framework of primary health care through the
application of appropriate technology;
(e) to ensure appropriate health care for expectant and nursing mothers;
(f) to develop preventive health care and family life education and provision of service;
(g) to integrate basic health service programmes in national development plans;
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