One in Every Six People Has a Disability

 

Adeladius Makwega (Mbagala)

 

My reader, ask yourself this question: where you are right now, how many people are around you—your neighbors? You might come up with different numbers like 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, or even 10. If you go to church or mosque every Sunday or Friday, how many people sit on a bench or line up during prayers? The answer could range from 6 to 15. These are simple calculations.

 

From these numbers, understand this today:

According to recent estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.3 billion people worldwide live with significant disabilities, which is about 16% of the global population—that is, roughly 1 in every 6 people.

 

 

This means that in any group of people, wherever you are, one out of every six individuals has some form of disability, though the types and severity vary. WHO statistics also highlight that 80% of people with disabilities (about 1.04 billion) live in developing countries.

 

These statistics deeply concerned the Mwanakwetu, who then sought out the Secretary of the Association of People with Physical Disabilities in Mara Region (CHAWATA), Mr. Leonard Lameck Mkaruka. He welcomed Mwanakwetu and explained:

 

There are many organizations for people with disabilities depending on the type—for example:

“The Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS), The Tanzania League of the Blind (TLB) , The Tanzania Association of the Deaf (CHAVITA) , The Association of People with Physical Disabilities (CHAWATA), among others.” 

 

He emphasized that all these groups are united, which is why December 3rd each year is celebrated as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

 

Mr. Mkaruka explained that CHAWATA has two types of members:

“People with physical disabilities (membership based on their condition) . Registered members who join according to the constitution and receive a CHAWATA membership card .

Cardholders are given priority in certain services, and people with physical disabilities are encouraged to join the organization to strengthen unity and advocacy for their rights. However, non-card members are not excluded—they are also given opportunities. As the saying goes, unity is strength, division is weakness.”

According to research in Mara Region, CHAWATA has about 3,500 registered members with cards, from the grassroots level (streets, villages, wards, divisions, districts) up to the regional and national level. A branch must have at least five members.

CHAWATA leadership includes:

 

 

“National Chairperson: Ahmadi Komboza, National Secretary: Boniface Mayengela , Mara Regional Chairperson: Yohana Magai Msanyila , Mara Regional Secretary: Leonard Lameck Mkaruka .”

Mr. Mkaruka also encouraged people with disabilities to participate in data collection exercises so they can be identified and supported wherever they are. He urged them to apply for the 10% government loans allocated to people with disabilities, women, and youth to help improve their income.

He mentioned key challenges, including:

 

“ Lack of office spaces from branch to regional levels, Dependence on temporary offices provided by government institutions , Need for equipment such as computers, printers, and office furniture .”

He also called on well-wishers to support these needs.

 

Mwanakwetu learned a great deal about CHAWATA in Mara Region and about disability statistics globally. Afterward, he parted ways with Mr. Mkaruka and wrote this article.

Dear reader, remember:

“One in every six people has a disability.”

Have a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com

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