FAQ's
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Where is Zambia?
Zambia is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa, the capital is Lusaka, with a population around 20 million people. The country has rich mineral deposits (mostly copper) and a size of around 752’000 square km, the size is equivalent to combined land area of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and France.
The official language is English with many regional local languages.
How many children in Zambia live with disabilities?
It is estimated that approximately 120,000 to 140,000 children in Zambia are living with disabilities. Many of these children face barriers to healthcare, education, mobility, and full participation in daily life.
Is disability linked to poverty in Zambia?
Yes. Research by organisations such as the World Bank and UNICEF shows that households with a person with a disability are significantly more likely to experience poverty. In countries such as Zambia, the risk of living in poverty is often 1.5 to 2 times higher for people with disabilities than for those without.
How is Blu Spring helping to drive change?
Blu Spring works to reduce these barriers by providing wheelchairs, follow-up care, education support, healthcare workshops, and community-based initiatives that help children with disabilities and their families build brighter, more independent futures.
How many children need assistive devices but do not have access?
Conservative estimates suggest that between 30,000 and 50,000 children in Zambia have severe disabilities and would benefit from assistive devices such as wheelchairs or posture support equipment. Sadly, around 80–90% do not currently have access to the support they need.
Why are assistive devices so important?
Assistive devices such as wheelchairs can transform a child’s life. They improve posture, health, comfort, and independence, while also helping children attend school, engage socially, and participate more fully in family and community life.
Why does disability increase the risk of poverty?
In Zambia, people with disabilities often face lower school attendance, reduced employment opportunities, and greater dependency within households. These barriers can place significant financial pressure on families and limit long-term opportunities.
What causes cerebral palsy in children in low-income African settings?
Cerebral palsy (CP) happens when a child’s developing brain is injured before birth, during birth, or in early childhood. In low-income African settings, research shows that many causes are preventable.
Before birth, risk factors include poor access to antenatal care, maternal illness or infection, premature birth, and problems with the baby’s brain development.
During birth, CP is often linked to difficult or prolonged labour, delayed emergency care, and lack of oxygen at birth.
After birth (first 2 years), major causes include newborn infections, severe jaundice, meningitis, cerebral malaria, and head injuries.
Overall, studies from Africa show that improving pregnancy care, safe delivery, newborn care, and early treatment of infections could prevent many cases of cerebral palsy.