Battling Jaundice: A Mother's Drive to Prevent Cerebral Palsy in Nigeria

In Nigeria, a dedicated mother, Nonye Nweke, works relentlessly to combat neonatal jaundice—a leading cause of cerebral palsy. With limited medical facilities and awareness, her Cerebral Palsy Centre becomes a beacon of hope for children like Babatunde Fashola. Supported partly by the Oscar Project, an initiative aimed at improving jaundice treatment, Nweke advocates for better care and support for affected families amid persistent stigma.

In Lagos, Nigeria, a remarkable woman named Nonye Nweke is fiercely advocating for greater awareness and treatment of neonatal jaundice, an overlooked health issue that can lead to lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy. The story revolves around Babatunde Fashola, affectionately known as Baba, who, despite being 22 years old, is only 70 cm (2 ft 4 in) tall due to a severe case of cerebral palsy caused by untreated jaundice in infancy. Abandoned by his parents as a baby, Baba now receives dedicated care at Nweke's Cerebral Palsy Centre.

Nonye Nweke established this pioneering facility over ten years ago after facing challenges finding adequate resources for her daughter, Zimuzo, who was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after her adoption. Nweke explains how many Nigerian mothers experience similar heartbreak, as there are only three private cerebral palsy care centers for the country’s vast population of over 200 million. Nweke's center currently caters to 12 children, all of whom depend on tubes for feeding and require constant medical attention.

The medical community recognizes that neonatal jaundice, characterized by an excess of bilirubin in a newborn's blood leading to yellow skin, is prevalent across Nigeria, with statistics suggesting that over 60% of babies are affected. While mild cases typically resolve quickly, more serious cases require urgent treatment to prevent irreversible brain damage. Unfortunately, due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, many newborns miss critical treatment windows.

Nweke's efforts are complemented by the Oscar Project, a charity aimed at improving screening and diagnosis of jaundice. Led by Toyin Saraki, the initiative aims to equip health facilities with necessary medical equipment to treat jaundice and effectively screen thousands of newborns. With significant backing, the Oscar Project hopes to deliver care and awareness to prevent cases like Baba's, promoting a healthier future for Nigerian children.

Despite the challenges, Nweke remains resolute in her mission. She faces societal stigma where families, particularly in rural areas, often ostracize children with disabilities, labeling them as bewitched or spiritually damaged. Nweke calls for increased support and understanding, emphasizing that early intervention for conditions like jaundice can provide brighter futures for children and their families.

As her center faces a long waiting list for support—over a hundred applications pending—Nweke emphasizes the struggle of raising a child with special needs. An average monthly care cost of $1,000 is a daunting burden in Nigeria, where yearly wages hover around $540. Nevertheless, the perseverance and driven spirit of Nweke and projects like Oscar signify a hopeful change in addressing the neonatal healthcare crisis, collectively aiming to alter the lives of children affected by cerebral palsy and related conditions.