Resilience in partnership: IAG and WFP sustain disability inclusion efforts despite funding crisis
News-iag | August 15, 2025
Despite a challenging global context marked by significant resource constraints, the partnership between the Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) and the World Food Programme (WFP) continues to deliver meaningful impact through the Disability Inclusion Helpdesk.
Since its launch in 2021, the IAG-run Helpdesk has supported WFP teams across 40+ countries, responding to over 150 requests. The Helpdesk continues to offer a wide range of tailored support, from developing training materials and guidance documents to reviewing programme plans and facilitating collaboration with organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs).
Recent examples include supporting the Ethiopia Country Office to roll out disability inclusion training to sub-offices; advising the Sudan Country Office on inclusive targeting strategies for a new safety net project; and preparing global guidance on collecting data on disability inclusion barriers and facilitators.
In Mozambique, the Helpdesk created tools for consulting persons with disabilities in climate resilience programmes, while in Iraq, it provided advocacy materials to promote disability-inclusive social protection. These examples reflect the Helpdesk’s practical, context-specific approach to embedding inclusion across WFP’s operations.
To complement this technical support, IAG is piloting a new mentoring and peer learning programme for WFP Gender, Protection & Inclusion Officers. This initiative will provide tailored, one-on-one support to help focal points translate disability inclusion principles into practice. Mentors will guide participants through real-world challenges, support strategic planning, and facilitate peer learning across regions.
In parallel, IAG is also piloting expanded support to further integrate disability into WFP’s efforts to mainstream gender, protection and inclusion in programmes, offering supplementary technical assistance beyond the Helpdesk’s on-demand model. This initiative aims to enhance disability inclusion across strategic planning, accountability, and capacity-building efforts.
“Through the support provided to the country office, we were able to find the entry points to extend assistance to people with disabilities. The method is very good—focused on real needs.”
Helpdesk user, WFP Country Office
“I was advised to engage with the OPD, which was a very good recommendation. It helped us hear directly from persons with disabilities and make our programmes more inclusive.”
Helpdesk user, WFP Country Office
“The Disability Inclusion Helpdesk has become a vital resource for our teams. It’s not just about technical advice—it’s about using innovative online models to source quality advice at the touch of a button and when you need it most. What started as a Disability Helpdesk has now expanded into something much more impactful on inclusive programming in general, building capacity and – most importantly- trust in the way WFP works. The new mentoring and expanded support from IAG are exciting steps forward in strengthening our capacity to deliver for everyone.”
Kavita Brahmbhatt, WFP Senior Disability Inclusion Advisor
This partnership is a testament to the power of sustained collaboration, adaptability, and shared commitment to inclusion. As WFP continues to promote the Helpdesk across its global operations, IAG remains ready to support teams in turning inclusive policy into practice – even in the most difficult circumstances.
For more on the Helpdesk’s evolution and impact, see our earlier article which highlights the scale and diversity of support provided. And our 2023 Learning Brief captures key lessons from the first three years of the Helpdesk, offering insights into what works to embed disability inclusion across humanitarian operations.
This work is made possible through the generous support of the governments of Finland and Australia, whose contributions have helped ensure that disability inclusion remains a priority in humanitarian and development programming.
https://cbm-global.org/news-iag/iag-and-wfp-sustain-disability-inclusion-efforts-despite-funding-crisis
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