Chief raises alarm on disability in Rumphi

Sub-Traditional Authority Kawazamawe of Rumphi has expressed concern over the rate at which families in his area are giving birth to children with disabilities.

The chief cited one neighbourhood in Jodi Village where six children with physical disabilities were born in six different households.

He said there are more children with disabilities in the village which has an estimated 100 households.

Kawazamawe said this on Saturday when Mzuzu Rotary Club and Mzuzu Lions Club jointly donated a wheelchair to Patrick Msowoya.

Mzuzu Lions Club president Mphatso Nyemera said they will engage health personnel to do an assessment and establish the problem.

“There should be an underlying health problem because it is not normal to have a lot of children with disabilities, almost of the same age, from the same area,” he said.

Mzuzu Rotary Club president Edward Shela said the two clubs made a joint donation because they have similar objectives.

He said: “Both of us are interested in assisting the less-privileged.

“However, as Rotary, we are also involved in efforts to eliminate polio. That is our number one global concern.”