WHO donates 24 wheelchairs to Ethiopian rehabilitation centre during World Polio Day
WHO Ethiopia handed over 24 wheelchairs to Menagesha Cheshire Rehabilitation Center, supporting mobility and rehabilitation services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia handed over 24 wheelchairs to the Menagesha Cheshire Rehabilitation Center during the national World Polio Day event on 24 October 2026. The donation supports persons living with disabilities and aims to improve access to rehabilitation services in Ethiopia.
The wheelchairs included eight paediatric models, eight Roughrider wheelchairs, and eight designed for rough terrain. The total value of the donation was USD 8,300 (ETB 1,356,080). These devices will enhance mobility and independence for children and adults requiring assistance.
WHO has supported the centre with technical and financial assistance to strengthen wheelchair services and local expertise in assessment, fitting, prescription, and maintenance. The centre can now manufacture and customise four types of wheelchairs tailored to users' functional needs and environments.
Dr Bejoy Nambiar, Health Policy and Systems Advisor at WHO Ethiopia, highlighted the need to sustain vaccination efforts and ensure access to rehabilitation and assistive technologies. He said, "A polio-free future is within our reach if we continue to invest in vaccines, surveillance, and strong health systems. At the same time, we must ensure that people living with disabilities are able to access the rehabilitation services and assistive products they need to live healthy, productive, and dignified lives."
The event featured a panel discussion, partner statements, and testimony from polio survivor Mrs Tigist Bezabih. She spoke about how vaccination and access to rehabilitation services, including an appropriate wheelchair, transformed her life by improving her mobility, independence, and confidence.
WHO emphasised that assistive products like wheelchairs are essential tools for independence, inclusion, education, and employment. The organisation will continue collaborating with Ethiopia's Ministry of Health and partners to build a more inclusive and healthier future.
Sources
Source: WHO Africa
