The Namibian government is in the process of gazetting the revised National Disability Policy to ensure full participation in development by persons living with disabilities.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi says the policy was revised to align with several national and international legal provisions.

Witbooi paid a courtesy visit to the Centre for the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired in Windhoek.

The Vice President used the visit for introductory engagements and to acquaint herself with the operations of the Federation.

The affairs of this and other institutions catering to the needs of the persons with disabilities fall under the Presidency.

Vice President Witbooi assured the Federation that the doors of her office remain open, as the revised policy places emphasis on inclusivity.

"It is now in the process of being gazetted and will be launched soon, and of course, the law, the Disability Act, must be amended and aligned, and this commitment by the Government and Parliament is to ensure that persons with disabilities are protected so our people are not left out."

The 2024 national census revealed that about 4.4% of Namibia's total population lives with some form of disability.

Witbooi urged the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired to collaborate with the regional structures in place.

"You should work closely with the regional structures to ensure that visually impaired persons benefit from programmes carried out across the 14 regions through the Office of the Vice President."

The Vice President's visit, according to the Federation's National Chairperson Sakeus Niigambo, will continue to raise awareness of the challenges faced by persons living with disabilities.

He said the Federation relies mostly on donor support to offset funding needs, with an annual operational cost of N$1.7 million.

"This effort that you take must not end only here; we must continue to collaborate, we must continue to engage so that you can see how we can assist our people."

The Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired, as the umbrella body, also undertakes rehabilitation and support programmes and others, including on the prevention of blindness.

Vice President Witbooi also donated cleaning detergents to the Centre.