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.
This was disclosed by Dr. Nasir Dalhatu Kurfi, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, during a Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Conference and Book Launch held at the Old Katsina Government House Conference Hall.
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, Lieutenant Hudu Usman (Rtd.), the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dikko Radda on Persons with Special Needs, said the conference aimed to educate the public on prevention, management, and support systems for people living with spinal cord injuries.
He 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.
Dr. Kurfi, while delivering his paper, 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 specialized care centers 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 Women Leader of the Association, Hajiya Safiyya Lawal Sada (Unguwar Alkali), 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, disclosed that under the current administration, the association had been formally registered, allocated a 100 by 100 plot at the Federal Medical Centre, and laid the foundation for its permanent secretariat.
He expressed appreciation to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the state government, and other philanthropists for their continued support toward improving the lives of members.
