As part of the key activities during the recently concluded TSCF Annual Review Meeting in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, the TSCF team paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John.

The visiting TSCF delegation included:

– Dr. Olaniyan Sunday, Clubfoot Clinic Coordinator, Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja

– Dr. Onah Jeniffer, Clubfoot Clinic Coordinator, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Medical Centre

– Dr. Aniebete Ubaha, Clubfoot Clinic Coordinator, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo

– Staff of The Straight Child Foundation (TSCF)

Key Discussion Points:

– The need for government support to enable patients complete their clubfoot treatment

– Public awareness campaigns on the availability of free clubfoot treatment in the state

– Support for older patients presenting with delayed clubfoot conditions

In response, the Commissioner lauded The Straight Child Foundation for its remarkable work in providing free clubfoot treatment across the state, noting that over 840 children have benefited so far.

He informed the team about the State Health Insurance Scheme, which is being implemented across all medical facilities in Akwa Ibom. He expressed optimism that the scheme would help reduce the financial burden on patients and support their treatment completion, thereby minimizing the risk of dropouts from the clubfoot programme.

Dr. Ekem also emphasized the importance of a national health records database to effectively track the incidence and prevalence of clubfoot. He shared that the Federal Ministry of Health is promoting the adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in all healthcare facilities nationwide. The EMR system will include patient tracking and appointment reminder features, which are expected to improve follow-up rates and treatment retention.

He assured the TSCF team that the issues of patient follow-up and referrals would be tabled at the upcoming management meeting. He encouraged the organization to leverage multisectoral partnerships to strengthen awareness creation, referrals, patient enrolment, follow-up, and retention.

The Commissioner also pledged to support organizing a Clubfoot Camp, which will bring surgeons together to provide surgical correction for older patients with delayed-presenting clubfoot.

In closing, Dr. Ekem congratulated TSCF on its growth and impactful work over the past seven years, especially its leadership in rehabilitative and corrective care for children with disabilities. He welcomed the team to Akwa Ibom State and wished them a productive and enlightening meeting

Following our formal request, a team from The Straight Child Foundation (TSCF), comprising Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam, Dr. Uchenna Oluwatosin, Mr. Uchenna Egbe-Eni , Mr. Wilson Oluyomi and Mr Asuonye Nwamara paid an advocacy visit to the Abia State Disability Commission. The meeting was hosted by the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. David Anyaele, alongside Mr. Victor Nwankpa (Finance Manager) and Miss Loveth Elechi (Technical Assistant).

Key Highlights:

• Commendation of TSCF Efforts: Mr. Anyaele praised TSCF and its founder, Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam, for their sustained advocacy and support for children with special needs, emphasizing the importance of NGOs like TSCF and civil society organizations committed to the welfare of persons living with disabilities.

• State Commitment to PWDs: He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, to alleviating the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially children. He highlighted the government’s multisectoral interventions spanning education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

• Inclusive Policy Drive: The Chairman spoke about ongoing efforts to train teachers and healthcare workers in therapeutic care for children with disabilities, aimed at addressing the shortage of specialized caregivers.

• Accessibility Initiative: Dr. Uchenna Oluwatosin highlighted TSCF’s plan to conduct research on accessibility in public buildings, aligning with the Commission’s goals. As a pioneer of infrastructural accessibility audits in Nigeria, Mr. Anyaele emphasized the need for continued collaboration to assess public buildings in Abia State, by new directives from the Governor. He expressed hope that this could be achieved through partnerships with both public and private entities passionate about advancing accessibility for persons with disabilities.

• Support for Early Intervention Center: Dr. Amaraegbulam proposed the establishment of an Early Intervention Center in Abia State—an initiative Mr. Anyaele welcomed. He informed the team that the project aligns with one of the Commission’s planned initiatives.

• Children’s Day Participation: Mr. Anyaele confirmed the Commission’s participation in TSCF’s upcoming Children’s Day event, scheduled for May 31, 2025, dedicated to children with special needs.

The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between TSCF and the Abia State Disability Commission. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life for children with disabilities across Abia State.