By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, Oct. 06, GNA — The Pumpkins Foundation, a child-focused Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for greeter support for individuals living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Ghana.
It said it was important that stakeholders, including the government, and private sector organisations provided support systems for families of children with cerebral palsy.
A statement issued by the Foundation and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the support could include financial assistance, counseling, and relief care services to improve the quality of life for both parents/caregivers and the children.
Today, October 6, 2024 is World Cerebral Palsy Day.
Cerebral palsy, a neurological condition affecting movement and coordination, is one of the most common motor disabilities in children.
According to Cerebral Palsy Africa, one in every 300 births in Ghana is affected by cerebral palsy.
Approximately 22,000 people are living with the condition in Ghana, as highlighted by Professor Eben Badoe, Head of Neurology and Child Service at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, on September 5, 2023.
Despite its prevalence, public knowledge and understanding of the condition remain limited, and resources for affected families are often inadequate.
The Foundation advised that there must be increased awareness, inclusion, and concrete steps to ensure that individuals with cerebral palsy lived full, dignified lives.
It said government institutions must ensure that individuals with cerebral palsy were actively included in all relevant policies and national developmental agendas from healthcare to education.
The statement urged the government to subsidise the often-costly medical treatments and therapies required by children living with cerebral palsy.
It said access to affordable healthcare would greatly ease the financial burden on affected families.
The Foundation appealed to health facilities to reduce the cost of physiotherapy services for children with cerebral palsy by at least 50 percent, making much-needed therapies more accessible for families.
It said there was the need for public awareness campaigns to educate communities about cerebral palsy and the challenges faced by those living with the condition.
That, the Foundation said, would foster greater understanding, reduce stigma, and promote early diagnosis and intervention.
It called on donors, governments, and the public to support the creation of safe environments for cerebral palsy children, their families and caregivers.
The statement said providing intensive training for caregivers was essential to ensure they delivered high-quality care for children with the condition.
The Pumpkins Foundation pledged its continuous advocacy for such training programmes to improve caregiver skills in that regard.
It said through the Foundation’s advocacy, partnerships, and direct interventions, significant strides had been made, but there was still much work to be done.
Madam Baisiwa Dowouona-Hammond, Executive Director, Pumpkins Foundation, said: “No child should be left behind. We must work together to build a society that respects and accommodates the needs of every child, including those with cerebral palsy.
“As we celebrate Cerebral Palsy Day, Pumpkins Foundation renews its commitment to supporting children with special needs, and we urge all Ghanaians to join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with cerebral palsy.”
Pumpkins Foundation has been at the forefront of advocating the rights and well-being of children with special needs, including those with cerebral palsy.
Over the years, the Foundation has improved educational outcomes and health services for children in deprived communities through its healthcare and empowerment programmes.
The Foundation has also partnered with various stakeholders to deliver life-saving services, including medication assistance for families affected by cerebral palsy.
GNA