Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and survivors of spinal cord injury have called for inclusive development and creation of spinal cord injury trust fund in the country.
They made the call at the first National Spinal Cord Injuries conference in Nigeria organised by the National Commission for People with Disabilities (NCPWD) in collaboration with Rebuilding Hope on Wheels initiatives (RHOWI), in Abuja.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including medical professionals, policymakers, advocates, and individuals living with spinal cord injuries, to address the critical issues faced by this community.
In her welcome address, the founder of Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiative, Hajia Amina Audu, underscored the conference’s significance: “The theme of this conference, ‘The Place of Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries in Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria,’ highlights the need to integrate the unique perspectives and abilities of individuals with spinal cord injuries into all aspects of national life.
“The conference aims to create a comprehensive framework addressing their medical and rehabilitative needs while ensuring their full participation in societal, economic, and political spheres.”
She said inclusive development means carrying along persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
“Rehabilitation is crucial as it helps orient individuals to their new lives and equips them to face challenges.
We must address the gaps and ensure that people with spinal cord injuries are included in all frameworks,” said.
Speaking at the event, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Chris Nwanoro, emphasised the importance of inclusivity.
He said: “This day is special because we are striving to ensure that all forms of marginalisation and discrimination are eradicated. We remember and honor people with spinal cord injuries as equal members of our society who deserve full inclusion in all spheres of life.”
Also speaking, the executive director and founder of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, Engr. Chika Okwuolisa, highlighted the profound impact of spinal cord injuries, saying “When someone suffers a spinal cord injury, it is not just a number; it profoundly impacts the individual, their family, and the community. It paralyses dreams and brings significant financial and emotional burdens. We must continue to advocate for better support for these individuals.”
Okwuolisa called for the creation of a spinal cord injury trust fund to provide timely access to necessary treatments and rehabilitation.
She noted that rehabilitation is often a lifelong process, requiring substantial financial resources for medical supplies, assistive devices, and permanent
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