Exploring equity and inclusion of persons with visual impairment in Malawi’s rehabilitation and education policies

Abstract Background Inclusive and equitable public policies are critical to ensure that public services are available to all citizens; the exclusion of vulnerable groups in national policies contributes to inequities in the provision of public services. The aim of this study was to consider representation of the needs of persons with visual impairment in two Malawian policies, the National Medical Rehabilitation Policy [2020] and the National Strategy on Inclusive Education [2017–2021]. Methods The EquiFrame analytical framework was used to analyse the policy content on commitment to core concepts of human rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Results People with disabilities were inadequately included in the national polices. The specific needs, such as access to public services, were not appropriately addressed in either national policy. Despite good coverage of the Core Concepts of human rights for people with disabilities, both policies had a poor commitment to intervention for people with disabilities and visual impairment. Conclusion Malawi’s national medical rehabilitation policy [2020] and National strategy on inclusive education [2017 − 2021] indicated inequities in prioritizing inclusion of persons with visual impairment and interventions of public services for people with visual impairment. Both policies lack clear strategies for implementing the proposed interventions. Thus, emphasis on equity must be prioritized in policy development to support the inclusion of people with visual impairment, and their needs must be fully addressed in public policy.