Report of the 2024 CP Awareness Meeting

THE REPORT OF THE CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS AND PARENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

HELD BY THE STRAIGHT CHILD FOUNDATION
ON WEDNESDAY, 20^TH MARCH 2024
AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL CHAPEL HALL, FMC, UMUAHIA FROM 1pm.

• The meeting started 39 minutes late because of the late arrival of guests.
• Lady Onyinyechi C. Nwachukwu led the opening prayer and a song session.
• Peace I. Amaraegbulam gave the opening remarks highlighting the objectives of the day’s meeting to include a positive challenge through a clinical medical student who lives with cerebral palsy, having an interaction with the SA to the Abia State Governor on Disability Matters, and the selection of parents who would be part of the team’s advocacy and planning.
• David Anyaele, the SA to the Abia State Governor on Disability Matters, assured of the state government’s unwavering commitment to assisting/supporting PWDs (be it physical, mental, sensory and other forms of impairments) with policies that would guard against discrimination, isolation, stigma and other harmful practices. He informed attendees of the existence of the National Commission for People with Disabilities (NCPWD) at Plato house in Abuja while confirming the operational status of the Abia State Commission for Disabled Persons’ Law (ACDPL) 2022. He further encouraged families of PWDs to be strong and very courageous in their support for their children.
• Miss Chizaram Nancy Nwachukwu, a CP patient from Isiama Afaraukwu, narrated her ordeal as told her by her mother. She encouraged the attendees to see ability in their supposed disabilities, and become a success story just like she is.
• Anyaele, while responding to Chinaza, promised that the state government would support her.
• RoseAnn Chidomere, a Consultant Pediatrician/Child Neurologist, FMC, Umuahia, expounded on the theme of the 2024 CP Awareness month “What Do You See When You Look At Me? Look Closer, See Differently” and emphasized that early detection and intervention had a positive effect on the outcome.
• Binichukwu Olise, a 4^th year medical student at Gregory University Uturu, and a person living with CP, shared his success story to motivate and encourage others with similar challenges.
• The parents chose representatives among from amongst themselves as requested by The Straight Child Foundation Parents Association. The parents chosen as representatives are Mrs Chijioke Chidinma, Mrs Ihefor Chinyere, and Mrs Emelike Ozioma C.
• The participants were treated to a light refreshment, and gifts were distributed to the children.
• The closing prayer was said by Mrs. Grace Abba, and the event ended at about 3:34pm. A group photograph was taken thereafter.

ACTIONABLES:

The Straight Child Foundation will court the support of the Abia State Government, philanthropists and other relevant shareholders in the

• equipping of the Paediatric rehabilitation gym located at our office.
• Vocational and day care facilities.
• Propose the provision of special Primary and Secondary school facilities for the affected children, and the enforcement of inclusion at regular schools.
• Provision of assistive devices including mobility aids, orthotics and CP chairs for the children affected with Cerebral palsy.
• Organization of social activities which will enhance inclusion and participation by these children.

Dr Peace AMARAEGBULAM                                       Dr Uchenna OLUWATOSIN

Founder/ Orthopaedic Surgeon                                  Team Leader/ Physiotherapist