Foundation advocates special care for children with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus
The Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), a non-governmental organisation, has highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness and special care for children living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH).
During a media sensitisation programme at Lagos Airport Hotel, themed “Saving Lives, Improving Futures (SLIF Project),” the Foundation addressed widespread misconceptions about these life-altering but under-recognised medical conditions.
The session focused on early signs, symptoms, and practical measures to reduce risks, while stressing the critical importance of early medical intervention.
Co-Founder Afolabi Fajemilo noted that the lack of dedicated health facilities for continence care and management in Nigeria inspired the initiative, underscoring the need for improved resources and support for affected families.
He said: “In 2016, Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF) collaborated with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Information Networking Equality (Shine) UK to eradicate the unavailability of public health facility in Nigeria offering a stand-alone continence care & management clinic for people with spina bifida who may experience bladder and bowel incontinence throughout their lifetime.
“Over the years, we have trained 89 health facility staffs and community health workers in continence care and management across 5 geopolitical zones of the country, we engage in Regular supplies of free continence equipment & kits to all partner health facilities.
“To enhance the skills, knowledge and capacity of health workers in the delivery of quality continence care and management to increase the life chances and futures of babies, children and young adults with spina bifida in Nigeria.
“One of our goals is to help 250 children with improved continence care through our established clinics and outreach and at the moment we have 240 children with spina bifida who are currently receiving maximum care and experiencing access to continence healthcare and improved wellbeing/self esteem.Related News
“We have successfully partnered with eight hospitals across Nigeria, where individuals living with these conditions receive treatment, medications, and engage in regular check-ups because it is a life long management ailment
“We have partnered with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), University College Hospital (UCH), University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) and Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia.” He said.
Program Volunteer and Social Worker, Lara Fernandez urged youths to abstain from pre-marital sex and unprotected sexual intercourse.
She also added that ladies who have been engaging in intimate relationship would use folic acid tablets to boost their immunes and reduce the risk of giving birth to deformed children.
Fernandez said: “I will love to advice young girls and ladies that the best way to save yourself from situations like these is to abstain from pre-marital sex, because that the surest way you can protect yourself from the risk of giving birth to children with deformities, and if you have started having sex and also for people in marriage, atleast ensure you take folic acid daily to boost your immune system and lower the risk of having children with these conditions”.
20-year-old Awodipe Gbemisola who is one of the beneficiaries of the program said it has been helpful stating that she has made significant progress through the care and treatment she receives.
“The process has been wonderful and helpful I would say, one of what comes with this ailment is we bedwetting, and so far, not that I don’t urinate, but with the help of their treatment I know when to pee and how to help myself. I make more friends now and I associate with people better now with the help of the treatment.”
The foundation also called on the government to strengthen support in the fight against Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) and urged Nigerians to refrain from castigating, discriminating, or dehumanizing individuals living with these conditions.
