World Vision Zambia and ZAPD Forge Partnership to Promote Disability Inclusion and Gender Equality

World Vision Zambia and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a significant step toward advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The agreement, announced at a joint event, will guide collaboration on promoting gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and addressing the specific needs of children and adults with disabilities in Zambia.

Speaking at the launch, ZAPD Director General Mr. Frankson Musukwa expressed pride in formalizing the partnership with World Vision and described the organization as a dependable ally.

“Over the years, World Vision has continued to provide support to persons with disabilities through the donation of assistive devices, easing their mobility, and facilitating the registration of persons with disabilities to enhance their access to social protection programs offered by the government,” said Mr. Musukwa.

He further lauded World Vision’s role in fostering inclusivity, saying, “We appreciate the continued support by World Vision Zambia in supplementing the government’s work through various initiatives around the country. By working together, we can create greater value for the vulnerable groups we serve, including persons with disabilities.”

World Vision Zambia National Director Mr. Marc Nosbach echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to child well-being and disability inclusion.

“This partnership with ZAPD clearly demonstrates putting our ministry into action, responding to the needs of the most vulnerable. Our work would be incomplete without this collaboration,” said Mr. Nosbach.

Drawing from personal experience, Mr. Nosbach highlighted the importance of the initiative. “As someone with family members who have physical and learning disabilities, I have witnessed these challenges firsthand. Disability inclusion is not just a professional commitment but a deeply personal one. Promoting gender equality and social inclusion is central to World Vision’s strategic priorities, and today’s partnership solidifies this focus.”

The collaboration comes in response to a growing recognition of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to essential services. These barriers often perpetuate a cycle of poverty and exclusion.

Under the partnership, World Vision Zambia will align its programs with ZAPD’s strategies, guided by the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012. The initiatives will include GESI’s integrated program of care and support for persons with disabilities, leveraging the strengths and expertise of both organizations to enhance service delivery in operational areas.

“This partnership represents a commitment to breaking the cycle of impairment and exclusion. By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to create an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive,” Mr. Nosbach added.

The event marked a milestone in the shared vision of both organizations, with hopes that the collaboration will set a new standard for inclusivity and advocacy in Zambia.