The story highlights Nonye Nweke's efforts to support children with cerebral palsy and raises awareness about preventable neonatal conditions in Nigeria.
A Mother's Journey: Advocating for Cerebral Palsy Care in Nigeria
A Mother's Journey: Advocating for Cerebral Palsy Care in Nigeria
As Nigerian health facilities struggle, one mother's fight for better care offers hope for children like her daughter.
In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, there is a growing movement to improve the care provided to children suffering from cerebral palsy, a condition that has tragically surged due to untreated neonatal jaundice. At the forefront of this mission is Nonye Nweke, a single mother whose daughter, Zimuzo, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after adoption. Nweke's dedication to Zimuzo's well-being inspired her to establish the Cerebral Palsy Centre, which has become a crucial resource for families navigating this challenging reality.
Babatunde Fashola, affectionately known as Baba, serves as one of the centre’s residents. At 22 years old, his stature is a reminder of the harsh realities faced by children with cerebral palsy; he is only 70cm tall, entirely dependent on caregivers for all aspects of life. The dedicated staff, funded entirely by generous donations, provide support to a small group of 12 children amidst a growing waiting list of over 100 applications.
The scale of the cerebral palsy crisis in Nigeria is staggering. A medical study from 2017 suggested that as many as 700,000 individuals in the nation are living with this disorder, often caused by neonatal jaundice, a condition affecting around 60% of newborns. With limited access to light therapy—a common treatment for jaundice—many mothers find themselves forced to cope with long-term consequences, including developmental disabilities and, unfortunately, abandonment.
Despite these challenges, initiatives like the Oscar Project have emerged with the aim of addressing the lack of diagnostic equipment and education for neonatal jaundice treatment in Nigeria. Funded by Reckitt, this new charity aims to equip clinics and train healthcare professionals across the region, seeking to prevent the onset of conditions that lead to lifelong difficulties. This campaign is particularly vital in a country where the conversation around medical care for disabilities has often been shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.
Nweke's determination drives her to share her story, advocating passionately against misconceptions regarding congenital disorders. While her journey has not been easy, it reflects a crucial shift towards better resources and education surrounding health issues that have long been overlooked in Nigeria's health system.
As the Oscar Project continues to work tirelessly to expand its reach, it holds the promise of a future in which fewer mothers will experience the pain of having to choose between their children's futures and cultural misconceptions. “The work won’t stop until every baby is protected against neonatal jaundice,” affirmed Oscar Project founder, Oscar Anderson, whose childhood challenges inspire him to prevent similar tragedies from impacting others. Through advocacy, education, and compassion, hopeful beginnings are emerging amid the challenges faced by children like Baba and Zimuzo.
Babatunde Fashola, affectionately known as Baba, serves as one of the centre’s residents. At 22 years old, his stature is a reminder of the harsh realities faced by children with cerebral palsy; he is only 70cm tall, entirely dependent on caregivers for all aspects of life. The dedicated staff, funded entirely by generous donations, provide support to a small group of 12 children amidst a growing waiting list of over 100 applications.
The scale of the cerebral palsy crisis in Nigeria is staggering. A medical study from 2017 suggested that as many as 700,000 individuals in the nation are living with this disorder, often caused by neonatal jaundice, a condition affecting around 60% of newborns. With limited access to light therapy—a common treatment for jaundice—many mothers find themselves forced to cope with long-term consequences, including developmental disabilities and, unfortunately, abandonment.
Despite these challenges, initiatives like the Oscar Project have emerged with the aim of addressing the lack of diagnostic equipment and education for neonatal jaundice treatment in Nigeria. Funded by Reckitt, this new charity aims to equip clinics and train healthcare professionals across the region, seeking to prevent the onset of conditions that lead to lifelong difficulties. This campaign is particularly vital in a country where the conversation around medical care for disabilities has often been shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.
Nweke's determination drives her to share her story, advocating passionately against misconceptions regarding congenital disorders. While her journey has not been easy, it reflects a crucial shift towards better resources and education surrounding health issues that have long been overlooked in Nigeria's health system.
As the Oscar Project continues to work tirelessly to expand its reach, it holds the promise of a future in which fewer mothers will experience the pain of having to choose between their children's futures and cultural misconceptions. “The work won’t stop until every baby is protected against neonatal jaundice,” affirmed Oscar Project founder, Oscar Anderson, whose childhood challenges inspire him to prevent similar tragedies from impacting others. Through advocacy, education, and compassion, hopeful beginnings are emerging amid the challenges faced by children like Baba and Zimuzo.
