Talk 16: Lived Experiences of a Man with Hydrocephalus in Malawi

Kennard Pondani

Parents Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Limited, Malawi

Background: Malawi has been one of the countries affected by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) and with the recent interventions has shown that children with SBH still have a chance to pursue their education dream. Being one of the living examples of Hydrocephalus, Kennard Pondani, at the age of 12 was identified with Hydrocephalusand since then has lived with shunt up to date.

Methods: Over the years he has completed primary, secondary and tertiary education which now enabled him to be employed by PASHL despite the fact that the brain of SBH children is affected. In advocating SBH he has managed to attend IF African workshops which made him to participate with his fellow youths from Kenya and Tanzania in advocating SBH through a song “NEVER GIVE UP” and also as part of advocating SBH he took part in a movie “TINGATHE” where by youth with SBH showed different artisan talents that they are capable to do proving to the society that disability is not inability.

Results: If a child with SBH receives adequate medical and parental support, the child can be like any normal child in accessing health, education and employment and can contribute to the development of the country because disability is not inability.

Conclusion: It is of great importance that every child has equal access to all aspects of lives including education. In Malawi, education is the key to improving the lives of children with disabilities.