Estimated prevalence of disability and developmental delay among pre‐school children in rural Malawi: Findings from ‘Tikule Limodzi’, a cross‐sectional survey

Summary

Early childhood development (ECD) is a critical stage in children’s lives, influencing future development and social integration. ECD research among children with disability and developmental delay in low and middle‐income countries is limited but crucial to inform planning and delivery of inclusive services. This study is the first to examine the prevalence of disability and delay among children attending pre‐school centres in rural Malawi.

This study found disability and developmental delays are common among pre‐school children in Malawi. 100 of 935 (10·7%) children were identified as having a disability. 109 of 933 (11·7%) children were classified as having developmental delay.