About SIAM
The Spinal Injuries Association of Malawi (SIAM) is legally registered as the Registered Trustees of the Spinal Injuries Association of Malawi and works to advance the rights, dignity, independence and inclusion of persons with spinal cord injuries across Malawi.
Our mission
Our vision
Who we are
The Spinal Injuries Association of Malawi (SIAM) is legally registered as the Registered Trustees of the Spinal Injuries Association of Malawi. The organisation was incorporated in 2020 and is a national, survivor-led Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) working to advance the rights, dignity, independence and inclusion of people with spinal cord injuries.
Founded and shaped by persons with lived experience of spinal cord injury, SIAM places survivors at the centre of programme design, leadership, advocacy and decision-making.
We work with individuals, families, communities, healthcare providers, government institutions, disability organisations, researchers, donors and other partners to improve the lives of persons with spinal cord injuries throughout Malawi.
Our history
SIAM was founded in 2011 by survivors of spinal cord injuries who recognised the need for a strong national voice to address the challenges faced by people with spinal cord injuries.
Since its establishment, SIAM has grown into a national movement advocating for improved rehabilitation services, accessibility, healthcare, social inclusion, economic empowerment and the protection of disability rights.
In 2020, SIAM was formally registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act, strengthening its institutional foundation and capacity to serve people with spinal cord injuries across Malawi.
Today, SIAM continues to build a stronger movement in which people with spinal cord injuries lead change and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.
Our values
Support & services
Peer support is at the heart of SIAM’s work. Trained peer mentors with lived experience of spinal cord injury provide practical, emotional and social support to individuals and families as they adjust to life with spinal cord injury.
SIAM works to improve access to timely, appropriate and person-centred rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries. We collaborate with healthcare providers and communities to promote continuity of care from hospital to home and community.
Our Knowledge Centre provides practical information and resources to help people with spinal cord injuries, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals and policymakers make informed decisions.
Where we work
From practical support to public advocacy, SIAM works alongside people with spinal cord injuries to create lasting independence and inclusion.
Peer support
Trained peer mentors with lived experience provide practical, emotional and social support to individuals and families.
Advocacy
Advancing policies, services and environments where persons with disabilities participate fully and equally.
Livelihoods
Creating skills, confidence and opportunities for employment, enterprise and sustainable livelihoods.
Advocacy
SIAM advocates for policies, services and environments that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully and equally in society. We work to strengthen access to quality and affordable healthcare, rehabilitation services, inclusive education, social protection, employment, entrepreneurship, accessible public spaces and information.
Work readiness & livelihood empowerment
SIAM supports persons with spinal cord injuries to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and opportunities they need to pursue employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Research & innovation
SIAM promotes research, learning and innovation to improve understanding of spinal cord injury and strengthen services, policies and programmes.
Impact & stories
Behind every programme statistic is a person, a family and a story. SIAM shares the experiences of people with spinal cord injuries, caregivers and partners to demonstrate the impact of peer support, rehabilitation, advocacy and economic empowerment.
Success stories
Read stories of resilience, courage, recovery, independence and transformation from members of the SIAM community.
Voices from our community
Hear directly from people with spinal cord injuries, peer mentors, caregivers, healthcare professionals and community leaders.
Impact reports
Explore our annual achievements, programme results, statistics and stories of change.
Projects & partnerships
Sustainable Livelihoods and Stronger Systems for People with Spinal Injuries. Supporting economic independence through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, climate-smart agriculture, mentorship and start-up support.
SIAM works with government institutions, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, disability organisations, universities, private-sector partners, donors and development organisations.
Donors, supporters & partners
Resources
Annual reports, programme reports, newsletters, research publications and advocacy materials.
Practical resources for people with spinal cord injuries, families and caregivers.
Stay informed about SIAM programmes, campaigns, events, publications and advocacy activities.
Events
SIAM organises and participates in events that bring together people with spinal cord injuries, families, professionals, policymakers, partners and communities.
Call to action
People with spinal cord injuries have the right to dignity, independence, opportunity and full participation in society.
