A Mother's Crusade: Combating Jaundice and Cerebral Palsy in Nigeria**

In Lagos, Nigeria, Nonye Nweke’s Cerebral Palsy Centre provides critical support to children affected by cerebral palsy, often caused by untreated neonatal jaundice. With the Oscar Project’s backing, efforts are increasing to improve treatment and awareness, striving to prevent future cases.**

 

Amid heart-wrenching stories of children grappling with cerebral palsy, one mother, Nonye Nweke, stands as a beacon of hope in Nigeria. Babatunde Fashola, affectionately known as Baba, is a 22-year-old boy who has faced numerous challenges due to his condition. Standing at less than 70cm tall, he communicates through touch, residing at the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos, a haven for children needing lifelong support.

With cerebral palsy recognized as one of Nigeria's most prevalent neurological disorders, the roots of many such cases trace back to untreated neonatal jaundice. Pediatrician Professor Chinyere Ezeaka states that over 60% of newborns in Nigeria experience jaundice, a condition that, if treated within the first 10 days, can mitigate severe consequences.

Unfortunately, inadequate medical facilities inhibit timely treatment, with Nigeria among the five countries most affected by the repercussions of untreated jaundice. The nation boasts only three cerebral palsy centers, all privately funded.

Ms. Nweke, a passionate mother who founded the Cerebral Palsy Centre after facing exclusion from day-care services for her daughter Zimuzo, finds purpose in providing care for twelve children, ensuring they have access to vital support. "It's overwhelming," she admits. Despite being cut off from conventional societal experiences of motherhood, she emphasizes the importance of her daughter’s life and well-being.

The centre relies solely on donations, with a waiting list of over 100 families seeking help. This situation reflects a broader stigma tied to families with disabled children, often viewed through the lens of spiritual beliefs and curses.

Aiding the changing narrative is the Oscar Project, a newly-launched charity focused on improving neonatal jaundice treatment and awareness in Lagos. Under the guidance of Toyin Saraki and supported by the health industry, the initiative aims to screen thousands of children, hoping to prevent the avoidable impact of jaundice on newborns.

Creating sustainable awareness remains a challenge in Nigeria's overstretched healthcare landscape, but advocates like Zimuzo's mother and Oscar Project representatives are determined. They see an urgent need for better treatment options to improve the lives of children like Baba and to prevent future disabilities linked to jaundice.

For Ms. Nweke and her growing community of advocates, their work emphasizes the intrinsic value of every child, regardless of their challenges.