Stakeholders seek increased support for children with special needs

There is need for government to improve support for children with cerebral palsy and other special needs, stakeholders working in the sector have said.

They stated this yesterday in Abuja during a fundraising dinner organised by Sedoo Initiative for Children with Special Needs.

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The founder of the initiative, Kawan Aondofa-Anjira, said government has not done much over the years and there is need for it to leave up to its responsibilities.

She said there is still low awareness about cerebral palsy with some still seeing as a spiritual issue.

“Children with special needs are not spirits, they are human beings. They have only got a condition which if understood will be cared for.

“If you have a child with cerebral palsy, it is incurable but if the child is not cared for, he or she will never grow to be useful to himself and society.

“Children with the condition must be accepted and cared for,” she said.

She said the initiative was established 11 years ago, adding that one of the major challenges of the centre was space for physiotherapy sessions for the children as their numbers increase by the day.

Mr Aver Gaver, a director at the National Human Right Commission (NHRC), warned against killing children with special needs. She said there are laws protecting them which Nigeria is a signatory.

Solomon Igbayue, an assistant director with the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) said there is need for more funding, specialists as well as specialised hospitals and schools for children with special needs.

A board member of the NGO, Apha Mane-Iber, decried the high level of stigma and discrimination against children with special needs. She called on relevant ministries and agencies to support the initiative.