Introduction
An ADC is a coalition of non-profit organisations, non-governmental organisations, and disability networks committed to advancing the rights, inclusion, and well-being of children with disabilities across Sub-Saharan Africa. The collaboration was officially launched in March 2023 at the Kyaninga Child Development Centre in Fort Portal, Uganda. ADC focuses on promoting inclusive communities through equitable access to education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and early intervention services for children with disabilities. The collaboration currently brings together partners from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi.
The fourth ADC Summit was hosted by Fount for Nations (FFN) in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 14 to 16 July 2026. The theme for this year was, “Early Action- A Strong Start to Rehabilitation in Africa.” The three-day event brought together policymakers, government representatives, therapists, researchers, disability organisations, and other stakeholders from across Africa to share knowledge, experiences, and promising practices in early intervention and disability inclusion. The Summit was organised by FFN in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare and other key stakeholders, including St John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG). The activity was attended by 24 organisations from Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Learning Visit and Exhibition at Likuni Mission Hospital
On 14 July 2026 there was a learning visit and exhibition of Early Intervention Initiatives at Likuni Mission Hospital. SJOG through CBM project and other projects, showcased its integrated approach to supporting children with disabilities, highlighting interventions in early identification and intervention, health and rehabilitation, inclusive education, vocational skills development, and community-based support.
The learning visit was attended by several dignitaries, including the Guest of Honour, Honourable Mrs Leah Khadija Chunga, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Central Likuni Constituency. The guest of honour reaffirmed the Government of Malawi’s commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, including through increased investment in disability-related initiatives and financing mechanisms such as the Disability Trust Fund.
Official Opening of the ADC Summit
On 15 July 2026, the ADC Summit was officially launched at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, with the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Francis Folley, serving as Guest of Honour. The official opening was preceded by a tour of the exhibition pavilions, where SJOG showcased its early intervention and disability inclusion initiatives. SJOG staff, including CBM project staff, engaged stakeholders and shared experiences on interventions in health and rehabilitation, inclusive education, community-based support, and advocacy for the rights of children with disabilities. The Summit provided an important platform for cross-country learning through panel discussions involving experts from Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Key discussions focused on financing and sustainability of disability services, with panellists calling for increased domestic government financing and greater private-sector investment in early intervention and disability inclusion initiatives. Participants emphasised that sustained investment in early intervention can significantly improve the long-term outcomes of children with disabilities and their families. However, persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, limited human and material resources, insufficient access to assistive devices, and weak coordination among service providers, were highlighted as barriers requiring stronger partnerships, networking, and coordinated multi-sectoral approaches.
The Summit also emphasised the importance of homegrown, community-driven solutions that build on existing local resources, knowledge, and capacities. Participants highlighted caregiver empowerment as a critical strategy, recognising parents and guardians as active partners in early identification, home-based rehabilitation, child development, advocacy, and inclusion. The discussions further emphasised the need for caregiver psychoeducation, economic empowerment, and the establishment of caregiver support groups and expert mother networks. Traditional and community leaders, healthcare workers, social welfare officers, police, and education personnel were also identified as key stakeholders who should be empowered to contribute to the protection and inclusion of children with disabilities.
During the breakaway sessions, SJOG facilitated a presentation on the role of caregivers in supporting children with disabilities, with particular emphasis on the Portage Approach as a home-based early intervention and rehabilitation model. The session demonstrated how caregivers can be equipped with practical knowledge and skills to support children’s development and provide basic rehabilitation and stimulation within the home environment. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening community-based rehabilitation, reducing stigma and discrimination through psychoeducation, and meaningfully involving persons with disabilities and caregivers in programme design, implementation, decision-making, and evaluation, in line with the principle of “Nothing for us without us.”
Community Outreach at Kapedzera Primary School
The Summit concluded on 16 July 2026 with a community outreach event held at Kapedzera Primary School in Traditional Authority Kalumbu, Lilongwe. The Guest of Honour was Mr Kumbambe, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare. The outreach aimed to bring essential disability-related services closer to persons with disabilities at community level and brought together multiple service providers from Malawi and participating countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, alongside the Lilongwe District Health Office and other stakeholders.
SJOG contributed a multidisciplinary team comprising professionals in psychosocial counselling, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mental health, advocacy & communication and Monitoring & Evaluation. Through this collaborative outreach, SJOG worked alongside other participating organisations to provide assessment, treatment, and physiotherapy services to clients with mental health, neurological, intellectual, and physical disabilities. The team also provided health education on mental health, early identification and management of disabilities, counselling services, and social support interventions.
In his remarks, the Guest of Honour commended the organisers and participating partners for bringing essential services closer to persons with disabilities at community level, noting that such initiatives contribute to improving access to essential services among underserved populations. Traditional Authority Kalumbu also expressed appreciation for the initiative and called for the establishment and continuation of similar services in the area, pledging support for future disability-related interventions.
Participating Organisations
The Summit brought together over 300 delegates including government officials, NGOs, service providers, caregivers, and community members. Both men and women participated, with women strongly represented among caregivers and service providers. Importantly, children and adults with physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities were actively involved in clinics, awareness sessions, and performances. Organisations in attendance included St John of God Hospitaller Services-Malawi (Mzuzu & Lilongwe) alongside Save the Children Malawi, Fount for Nations (Malawi), World Vision Malawi, Asha Audiology Specialists (Malawi), Kuhenza (Kenya), SOS Children’s Villages (Malawi), CBIDO (Tanzania), The Action Foundation (Kenya), Gabriella Rehabilitation Centre (Tanzania), MAP (Malawi), Kyaninga Child Development Centre (Uganda), Able Foundation (Malawi), Mukisa Foundation (Uganda), Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA), Save the Children (Malawi), ABC Clinic (Malawi), Good Vision Glasses (Malawi), Link Community (Malawi), Kyaro Assistive Tech (Tanzania), Baby Ubuntu (Uganda), Uhuru Child Care (Malawi), MACODA (Malawi), and Lilongwe District Health Office.
Overall, participation in the fourth ADC Summit provided SJOG with an important platform to showcase its contribution to early intervention and disability inclusion, strengthen networking and collaboration with national and international stakeholders, share practical experience on caregiver empowerment and home-based rehabilitation, and learn from emerging approaches to sustainable disability programming