Combating Jaundice-Induced Cerebral Palsy: A Mother's Journey in Nigeria

Nonye Nweke, founder of the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos, champions the fight against neonatal jaundice to prevent cerebral palsy in Nigeria. Despite limited facilities and societal stigma, initiatives like the Oscar Project aim to improve early diagnosis and treatment, offering a lifeline to many families.

In Nigeria, a nationwide health concern is silently wreaking havoc on the lives of countless families: neonatal jaundice. This condition, if untreated, can lead to devastating outcomes such as cerebral palsy. Among those deeply affected is 22-year-old Babatunde Fashola, who struggles with severe cerebral palsy and requires constant care. His story is not unique, as cerebral palsy is increasingly common in Nigeria, with estimates suggesting around 700,000 cases nationwide, largely stemming from untreated neonatal jaundice.

Neonatal jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in a newborn's blood, causing a yellowish tint to their skin. Although most cases resolve with minimal intervention, severe instances require immediate treatment, which often involves exposure to ultraviolet light. Unfortunately, medical facilities often lack the necessary resources, leaving many infants untreated and at risk of irreversible brain damage.

Ms. Nonye Nweke is a beacon of hope for families grappling with the consequences of this condition. Having established the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos after facing personal challenges with her own daughter, Zimuzo, who also has cerebral palsy, she provides vital 24/7 care to a dozen children affected by the condition. However, the centre has seen an overwhelming demand, with over 100 applications for care, all funded through donations.

The situation is exacerbated by societal stigma towards those with disabilities in Nigeria, where misconceptions persist about congenital disorders being linked to supernatural forces. This leads to discrimination against affected families, further complicating access to care and support.

Launching initiatives to tackle these issues head-on, the Oscar Project aims to improve awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of neonatal jaundice. This initiative, backed by health industry leaders, is training healthcare workers across Lagos to implement detection protocols and provide essential treatment to families. The hope is to intercept the cycle that leads to cerebral palsy by effectively managing jaundice in newborns.

Although the Nigerian government has yet to take substantial public action, these community-driven projects are laying the groundwork for change. As a passionate advocate for awareness and improved medical care, Ms. Nweke’s story reflects the resilience of parents and caregivers striving for a better future for their children. And as the Oscar Project continues to roll out its programs, there’s optimism that fewer children will face the harsh realities of untreated jaundice, and as such, reduced instances of cerebral palsy.