Kaduna Stakeholders Seek Inclusion For Children With Cerebral Palsy

Stakeholders, caregivers and community leaders in Kaduna State have called for stronger inclusion, improved healthcare support, and sustained public awareness for children living with cerebral palsy. They urged an end to stigma and discrimination against them.

The stakeholders made the call on Wednesday in Kaduna during a sensitisation exercise aimed at raising awareness of cerebral palsy and the challenges faced by affected families across communities in the State.

At the event, the convener of the programme, Mrs Victoria Yohanna, called on the society to stop misrepresenting cerebral palsy as a spiritual affliction, stressing that it is a medical condition that requires care, understanding, and compassion.

According to her, cerebral palsy is a gift from God; many children are hidden or mistreated because of ignorance.

“These children deserve love, care and acceptance. If you do not know how to care for a child with special needs, you cannot properly support them,” she said.

Also, peace ambassador in the State, Saratu Suleiman Raimawa, called for intensified awareness campaigns and improved access to treatment, noting that many families struggle with the high cost of therapy and medication.

“Speech therapy, drugs and rehabilitation are expensive and beyond the reach of many parents. Awareness is key so these children are not left behind”.

On his part, the district head of Barnawa, Alhaji Mohd Kabiru Zubairu, pledged to mobilise community structures to support affected families, including engaging women’s groups to identify hidden cases and working with religious leaders to educate their congregations on the condition.

He also promised to liaise with the Rotary Club to facilitate wheelchair donations and to engage relevant authorities, including the Kaduna State Disability Board, to strengthen support systems for affected children.

Zubairu further said he would reach out to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Barnawa to explore medical and technical assistance for families in need.

“It is a relief to see our children acknowledged and supported. We only want them to live with dignity, access care, education, and be fully included in society,” he said.