Social cash transfers empower persons with disabilities

Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (Fedoma) has expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of persons with disabilities in social protection programmes such as Social Cash Transfer Programme, saying the move will improve their living standards. Fedoma executive director Simon Munde said this on Sunday after noting that Lilongwe District Council alone has registered about 20 000 persons with disabilities or those with chronic illnesses against the targeted 42 212 households. He said: “This is commendable because we have been advocating for categorical targeting in all social protection programmes, including Social Cash Transfer Programme.

“Therefore, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in social protection programmes will cushion their families from economic challenges.” Munde urged the beneficiaries to invest the cash transfers in small enterprises. One of the beneficiaries, Msamatha Watson said many people with disabilities have ventured in small-scale businesses, thereby easing their economic challenges. “I urge fellow beneficiaries to join village savings and loans groups to save their money.

We should know that the programme will phase out one day; hence, he need to invest in businesses,” said Watson. Lilongwe district principal social welfare officer Sarah Chimodzi said the programme seeks to alleviate poverty and hunger among extremely poor households. In Lilongwe, the programme is running with support from the World Bank.