Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Director General Frankson Musukwa says Zambia has made significant strides towards inclusive development for Persons living with disabilities.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the first national conference on Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) in Zambia today Mr Musukwa said through programmes such as the social cash transfer, youth and women empowerment, government continues to promote inclusion and social protection for all.
Mr Musukwa said that the CBID policy is about empowering persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups to take active roles in shaping their own lives and the development of societies.
He said that in recent years disability and inclusion issues were viewed primarily as matters of charity or welfare, stating that currently it is recognised as a human right and a development priority.
Mr Musukwa added that there is need to champion CBID not just as a policy agenda but as shared national vision.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Association of Disabled (NAD) Country Director Caroline Hamankolo Cheelo said that the CBID strategy has been widely implemented by various partners and stakeholders led by government.
She further acknowledged government especially the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services for the continued leadership and collaboration in promoting inclusive development.
