ILO and Cuba Partner with Zambia to Expand Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

The partnership signals a renewed effort to expand inclusive development programmes and improve opportunities for thousands of Zambians living with disabilities.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Cuba have launched a new cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening support systems for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Zambia, following high-level discussions in Lusaka.

The talks brought together ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, and Cuban Ambassador to Zambia Marileydis Duenas Morales, who explored new areas of collaboration focused on improving vocational training, rehabilitation services and healthcare access for people with disabilities.

The partnership signals a renewed effort to expand inclusive development programmes and improve opportunities for thousands of Zambians living with disabilities.

Revamping Zambia’s National Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre

A key outcome of the meeting was Cuba’s pledge to support the modernization of Zambia’s National Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre (NVRC), a major institution responsible for training and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.

Ambassador Duenas Morales reaffirmed Cuba’s longstanding commitment to international social development initiatives and offered technical assistance to strengthen the centre’s operations.

The cooperation will include:

• Technical assessments of the NVRC

• Exchange visits between Cuban and Zambian specialists

• Modernization of training and rehabilitation programmes

The aim is to enhance the centre’s ability to provide high-quality vocational training, rehabilitation services and employment preparation for people with disabilities.

Experts say such improvements could significantly increase employment opportunities and economic independence for individuals who often face barriers to entering the labour market.

Expanding Access to Life-Changing Eye Surgery

In addition to vocational rehabilitation support, Cuba has also expressed interest in partnering with Zambia on “Miracle” cataract surgeries, a programme internationally recognised for restoring vision to people suffering from preventable blindness.

The programme involves fast, low-cost surgical procedures that can restore sight within minutes.

If implemented in Zambia, the initiative could provide life-changing treatment for thousands of people affected by cataracts, including many individuals with disabilities.

Cuba has built a global reputation for delivering medical cooperation programmes, particularly in developing countries, through initiatives that expand access to healthcare services.

Disability Inclusion a Core Priority for the ILO

ILO Country Director Wellington Chibebe welcomed the proposed collaboration, emphasising that disability inclusion is a central pillar of the organisation’s work.

He said strengthening services for persons with disabilities is essential to achieving inclusive economic growth and equal access to employment opportunities.

“The ILO places disability inclusion and mainstreaming at the top of its agenda,” Chibebe said.

“We deeply appreciate Cuba’s willingness to collaborate in strengthening Zambia’s support systems for Persons with Disabilities.”

The ILO has been working with governments and partners worldwide to promote inclusive labour markets, ensuring that persons with disabilities can access training, employment and social protection.

Strengthening Zambia’s Inclusive Development Agenda

The cooperation between the ILO, Cuba and Zambia is expected to contribute to broader national efforts to expand skills development, employment access and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.

Advocates say improved vocational training and healthcare support could significantly improve quality of life and economic independence for many individuals.

Officials say the partnership is likely to lead to expanded training opportunities, improved rehabilitation services and stronger institutional support systems across the country.

As planning and implementation move forward, the initiative is being seen as an important step toward building a more inclusive and equitable society, where people with disabilities can fully participate in economic and social life.