Online Reporter
Anesu January
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe has launched an action plan for the National Disability Policy (2024-2028) to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights, access opportunities, and contribute to national development.
The action plan is designed to ensure the integration of the National Disability Policy into key sectors such as public services, education, healthcare, and opportunities accessible to all.
Speaking at the launch, Public Service Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the action plan is a blueprint for translating the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s Disability Policy into concrete measurable action.
“It provides a structured framework to guide all stakeholders, including Government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and civil society, towards coordinated and well-funded implementation processes,” he said.
“This plan outlines strategic interventions to address key barriers faced by persons with disabilities, including access to education, health care, employment, and social protection.
”It also establishes clear timelines and responsibilities for Government ministries and other actors, ensuring that disability inclusion is not treated as an afterthought but is mainstreamed across all development sectors.”
The action plan also includes a financing strategy in mobilising resources for effective implementation and reinforcing the Government’s commitment to sustainable, impactful change.
Minister Moyo said his ministry will take an active role in monitoring and evaluating the progress, ensuring accountability and transparency in the implementation of the plan.
Elena Constantinou who was representing the United Nations (UN) resident coordinator Edward Kallon said she was grateful for the progress being made by the Ministry of Public Service Labour, and Social Welfare in establishing mechanisms and frameworks to support the implementation of the National Disability Policy.
The National Disability Policy was launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in June 2021.
“The ministry is commended for its effort for moving forward the disability agenda in Zimbabwe from policy to practise,” she said.
“The launch of this five-year plan is another milestone for Zimbabwe in strengthening its coordination, accountability, and governance on disability inclusion in all 10 provinces. It is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to adopt disability-inclusive budgeting approaches for the effective implementation of the National Disability Policy.”
