Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
AT least 1,2 million people are living with disabilities in the country, with women accounting for more than half of the figure, a report presented in Cabinet on Tuesday has revealed.
The 2022 Population and Housing Census report collected data on disability using the Washington Group (WG) assessment tool, which revealed that 9,2 percent of the population are living with functional difficulties.
Addressing Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
“Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the study established that there are 1 207 140 (9,2 percent) persons with functional difficulties throughout the country.
“Women account for 718 899 (59, 6 percent) of that population.”
Of the 9,2 percent, rural areas have 74 percent of persons with varying degrees of difficulty in performing activities, while urban areas account for 26 percent.
Matabeleland North has the highest number at 11,4 percent, while Harare has the lowest number at 5,2 percent.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter