November 19, 2015
KHARTOUM—Action on Disability and Development (ADD) International, an organization based in the United Kingdom that works for independence, equality and opportunity for people with disabilities living in poverty, today launched a new program in Sudan with its first-ever grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID awarded the organization nearly $300,000 over two years to help build an effective movement advocating for the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities in Sudan. ADD will help develop the emerging network of Cross Disability Federations (CDFs) in Sudan—local nongovernmental organizations that include unions of the blind, deaf and persons with physical and intellectual disabilities. Since 2013, ADD has been supporting the establishment of Cross Disability Federations in 7 States (Khartoum, Gedarif, Kassala, Red Sea, South Darfur, River Nile and Gezira). These federations have great potential to contribute to the voice of the disability movement in Sudan. The number of people with disabilities is estimated to be 1,463,034 which represent 4.8 per cent of Sudan population (2008 national census). This number is considered an under-estimate, as world average is 15%. ADD Sudan has worked in Sudan since 1989. The organization also works in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Tanzania and Uganda. ADD Director Mohamed Majzoub Fedail announced the new project at an event today at the Grand Holiday Villa, Khartoum, “USAID Grant will contribute to building of an effective and efficient disability movement in Sudan and help ADD to support Cross Disability Federations in Blue Nile and South Kordofan. ADD has not been able to reach these Federations due to limitation of funding. USAID funding presents a unique opportunity to ensure effective participation of persons with disabilities in public and private life” “We are very pleased to support the important work of Action on Disability and Development in advocating for the disability community in Sudan,” said USAID Sudan Mission Director Larry Meserve. “USAID is committed to including persons with disabilities in development efforts worldwide ADD is collaborating with Cross Disability Federations and state councils on disability to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 designated to promote awareness and mobilize support for critical issues pertaining to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development. It is marked annually on December 3. ADD and other organizations are planning events for December 2-3 in Kadogli, Southern Kordofan.
