Mission to Combat Jaundice-Induced Cerebral Palsy in Nigeria

In Nigeria, a visible yet distressing trend highlights inadequate responses to neonatal jaundice, which often leads to irreversible brain damage and cerebral palsy in children.

Despite the alarming statistics surrounding cerebral palsy in Nigeria, one mother's unwavering determination is lighting a path toward change. Babatunde Fashola, 22, who has cerebral palsy, exemplifies the struggles faced by many young individuals affected by this condition. Abandoned as a baby, Babatunde found a nurturing environment at the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos, run by Nonye Nweke, who established the center after enduring her own difficult experiences.

Cerebral palsy is a significant health concern in Nigeria, with a report from 2017 suggesting that 700,000 people are affected. Most cases stem from untreated neonatal jaundice—a condition resulting from excess bilirubin in newborns. While the majority of jaundice cases are easily treatable, urgent medical attention is often delayed, contributing to high rates of cerebral palsy in the country.

Professor Chinyere Ezeaka, a pediatrician, underscores the urgency of treating jaundice within the first ten days of a baby’s life to prevent long-term neurological damage. However, Nigeria has a shortage of medical facilities to treat congenital disorders. With only three private cerebral palsy centers available for a population exceeding 200 million, families face an overwhelming challenge.

Nonye Nweke's struggles began with her adopted daughter, Zimuzo, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Faced with stigma and limited support, Ms. Nweke transformed her frustration into action by creating the Cerebral Palsy Centre. This safe haven now serves 12 children requiring specialized care, but the demand is immense with a waiting list of over a hundred applicants. Care costs around $1,000 monthly, an insurmountable amount for many in a country where yearly wages hover around $540.

As Ms. Nweke candidly describes her journey, she reveals the emotional toll and societal isolation faced by mothers of children with disabilities. Myths about congenital disorders being linked to supernatural forces further compound the stigma, particularly in rural regions. Many affected children are subjected to abandonment or neglect due to these unfounded beliefs.

Independent initiatives such as the Oscar Project are pivotal in aiding Nigeria’s healthcare response. This charity focuses on enhancing neonatal jaundice diagnosis and treatment across various healthcare levels. Project Oscar, named after disability advocate Oscar Anderson, has set ambitious goals including training 300 healthcare workers, screening 9,000 children, and reaching 10,000 mothers.

Although Nigeria lacks substantial governmental support for these initiatives, individuals like Anderson remain steadfast in their mission to ensure no child suffers from the consequences of untreated jaundice. Their broader goal seeks to create awareness, provide timely treatment, and, ultimately, prevent the tragic outcomes of cerebral palsy stemming from neonatal jaundice.