The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities ( NCPWD) and other stakeholders have enjoined the federal government to establish a special treatment centre for people suffering from spinal cord injuries
The executive secretary of the commission
James David Lalu, made the call yesterday in Abuja during the first national spinal cord injuries conference. It was organized by the commission in collaboration with the Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiatives, the Spinal cord injuries Association of Nigeria ( SCIAN) and other partners.
Represented by Soji Adewale ,
Director Planning Research and Statistics, he said a fully funded government centre would help improve access to care, reduce cost and also ensure inclusiveness for people with spinal cord injuries.
He also called on the government to carry out a survey to ascertain the exact number of persons with spinal cord injuries in the country. He added that doing so would help ensure effective planning of programmes for sufferers as well as subsidized treatment for them.
The chief of Defense staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa said spinal cord injuries have physical effects as well as psychological effects on affected persons.
He said members of the armed forces were at risk of spinal cord injuries due to the nature of their job, adding that he had set up a program a few months ago to facilitate rehabilitation and recovery of affected persons.
Founder and chief executive officer of Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiatives, Hajia Amina Audu said the conference marked a crucial step towards fostering an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of physical condition, could thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
She said that while spinal cord injuries present significant challenges, they also offer opportunities for innovation, advocacy, and the implementation of policies that promote accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment.
Stakeholders at the event said road traffic accident was one of the major causes of spinal cord injuries. According to Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) data, in 2022 about 38, 930 injuries occured from road traffic accidents while 31, 874 persons were injured in road traffic accidents in 2023.
The data translates to about 87 persons injured daily on Nigeria roads.
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