Joyce Nweke, a single mother, has established a Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos, aiming to care for children affected by cerebral palsy caused by untreated neonatal jaundice. With an overwhelming lack of resources and societal stigma, her mission, supported by initiatives like Project Oscar, seeks to educate, treat, and support affected families while addressing ingrained myths about disabilities in Nigeria.
Combating Jaundice-Induced Cerebral Palsy in Nigeria: A Mother's Struggle and Hope
Combating Jaundice-Induced Cerebral Palsy in Nigeria: A Mother's Struggle and Hope
A mother's relentless fight against neonatal jaundice in Nigeria aims to avert the rising cases of cerebral palsy while championing the well-being of affected children.
In Nigeria, cerebral palsy remains a significant yet underaddressed issue, with a staggering number of cases linked to neonatal jaundice. One leading figure in the fight against this condition is Joyce Nweke, founder of the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos. With her son Zimuzo being diagnosed with the disorder at a young age, Nweke transformed her personal struggles into a dedicated mission to provide care and support to others facing similar challenges.
Cerebral palsy, a condition resulting from brain damage, has been noted to have a high prevalence in Nigeria, where many cases are attributed to untreated neonatal jaundice. Medics believe that while jaundice commonly affects more than 60% of newborns, timely medical intervention can prevent its most severe complications. Unfortunately, access to the necessary treatments, like ultraviolet therapy, is often limited, exacerbating the issue.
At her centre, Nweke cares for children requiring intensive support, providing them with a nurturing environment despite facing severe limitations in resources. The centre, solely funded through donations, has a waiting list filled with families seeking help as they endure the associated costs of care. Nweke recalls the moment she was informed that her daughter might not survive, yet her determination not only brought Zimuzo to a thriving age of 17 but has also focused on a broader mission.
The societal stigma surrounding disabilities often leads to misconceptions about congenital disorders in Nigeria. Children with such conditions are sometimes ostracized or deemed spiritually cursed. Nweke battles these harmful beliefs by raising awareness about the realities of cerebral palsy and advocating for the proper treatment of related conditions.
Recent initiatives, including the Oscar Project, aim to improve access to jaundice treatment and strengthen healthcare support for mothers and newborns within the country. It promises to train health workers and introduce screening protocols to ensure timely treatment of jaundice, which could forestall the onset of cerebral palsy.
Yet, while Nweke and the Oscar Project work tirelessly to dismantle barriers and provide hope, much remains to be done. The challenge is formidable in the context of Nigeria's inadequately supported public health system. Nonetheless, the unwavering resolve of individuals like Nweke signals a dawn of change, determined to secure a brighter future for the country's most vulnerable.
Cerebral palsy, a condition resulting from brain damage, has been noted to have a high prevalence in Nigeria, where many cases are attributed to untreated neonatal jaundice. Medics believe that while jaundice commonly affects more than 60% of newborns, timely medical intervention can prevent its most severe complications. Unfortunately, access to the necessary treatments, like ultraviolet therapy, is often limited, exacerbating the issue.
At her centre, Nweke cares for children requiring intensive support, providing them with a nurturing environment despite facing severe limitations in resources. The centre, solely funded through donations, has a waiting list filled with families seeking help as they endure the associated costs of care. Nweke recalls the moment she was informed that her daughter might not survive, yet her determination not only brought Zimuzo to a thriving age of 17 but has also focused on a broader mission.
The societal stigma surrounding disabilities often leads to misconceptions about congenital disorders in Nigeria. Children with such conditions are sometimes ostracized or deemed spiritually cursed. Nweke battles these harmful beliefs by raising awareness about the realities of cerebral palsy and advocating for the proper treatment of related conditions.
Recent initiatives, including the Oscar Project, aim to improve access to jaundice treatment and strengthen healthcare support for mothers and newborns within the country. It promises to train health workers and introduce screening protocols to ensure timely treatment of jaundice, which could forestall the onset of cerebral palsy.
Yet, while Nweke and the Oscar Project work tirelessly to dismantle barriers and provide hope, much remains to be done. The challenge is formidable in the context of Nigeria's inadequately supported public health system. Nonetheless, the unwavering resolve of individuals like Nweke signals a dawn of change, determined to secure a brighter future for the country's most vulnerable.
