Medical experts have revealed that Katsina State records an average of 40 to 50 new spinal cord injury (SCI) cases every year, with most incidents resulting from road accidents and falls from heights.
A Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Dr. Nasir Dalhatu Kurfi, disclosed this during a Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Conference and Book Launch in Katsina.
The event, themed: “Shiryarwa Ga Masu Bukata Ta Musamman Da ’Yan Uwansu,” was jointly organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Special Needs and the Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative.
In his opening address, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dikko Radda on Persons with Special Needs, Lieutenant Hudu Usman (Rtd.), said the conference aimed at educating the public on prevention, management, and support systems for people living with spinal cord injuries.
Usman praised the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, for her sustained support to persons with special needs, particularly those affected by spinal cord injuries, acknowledging well meaning individuals and organisations promoting empowerment and education for the community.
While delivering his paper, Dr. Kurfi, lamented the growing incidence of spinal cord injuries in the state, noting that managing a single patient could cost as much as ₦3 million in Katsina, ₦13 million in Abuja, and approximately $3,075 (₦4.5 million) globally, according to United Nations estimates.
He urged government and private stakeholders to intensify preventive measures, improve access to rehabilitation services, and establish specialised care centres to reduce long-term disability and dependency among patients.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman of the event, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, Justice Nuraddeen Abdulmumini commended the initiative, emphasising the need for continuous awareness and institutional support for people with disabilities.
The Woman Leader of the Association, Hajiya Safiyya Lawal Sada, appealed for improved accessibility in public institutions and offices, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges women with spinal cord injuries face daily.
The Acting Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injury Association, Malam Shu’aibu Halliru Musawa, commended the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the state government, and philanthropists for their continued support toward improving the lives of members.
