A study conducted by UNICEF in 1999 has estimated that 3% of the total Malawi population are persons with disabilities. About a third of them (31%), are children who are 15 years and below.
Eye of the Child situation analysis has shown that young people with disabilities in Malawi face social isolation and discrimination. A large number of children with disabilities do not attend school due to financial problems, objections from parents or simply because school facilities are too far or don’t cater for their needs. Those in school find problems with travelling to school, communication, and lack of attention and discrimination form the part of the teachers and fellow students.
Children with disabilities are often prohibited from meaningfully participating in their families’ and their communities’ lives. They often lack basic health care and they are at great risk of experiencing physical, psychological abuse and sexual exploitation.
