Focus

Strengthening wheelchair provision in Malawi through training and capacity building of 6 wheelchair service providers in 5 Districts of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Salima, Rumphi and Mzimba. 

Summary

To integrate WHO wheelchair services provision standards into the curriculum at Kachere Rehabilitation College, to ensure that its graduates have increased knowledge of recommended wheelchair service provision.

The project links undergraduates with wheelchair services via work placements so they benefit from hands-on experience and graduate with an accredited wheelchair  rehabilitative care qualification; train rehabilitation in-service staff as trainers for upskilling and professional development; improve the infrastructure for wheelchair service delivery and provide wheelchair modification materials and  sensitise and raise awareness of health workers and government officials about the need for  wheelchair services and impact on people with mobility issues.

This will build a skilled workforce that can prescribe and tailor the wheelchair to the person, train the wheelchair user, and provide follow-up  support, referral to other appropriate services, and maintenance and repair artisans. It is expected that six model wheelchair service centres will be developed, with 600 wheelchairs being appropriately fitted to meet individual needs.

The project will also train peer mentors—wheelchair users with spinal injuries—who will provide ongoing support to fellow wheelchair users through both hospital-based and home visits. St John of God will deliver mental health and wellness services, including psychosocial support.

Together, these efforts will build a skilled workforce capable of prescribing and tailoring wheelchairs to individual needs, training wheelchair users, providing follow-up support and referrals, and strengthening maintenance and repair services through trained artisans. It is expected that six model wheelchair service centres will be established, with 600 wheelchairs appropriately fitted to meet individual needs.