Some children living with cerebral palsy and other intellectual disabilities have benefited from a medical outreach organised by YASA Foundation at Akerele Primary Health Centre, Surulere, Lagos, as part of efforts to promote inclusive healthcare and improve the quality of life of children with special needs.
The Outreach, held on Saturday, featured physiotherapy and speech therapy sessions designed to address the developmental challenges of the beneficiaries and support their physical movement, communication skills and overall well-being.
The Initiative was organised by the Founder of YASA Foundation, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, whose humanitarian commitment focuses on caring for persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society.
Through the intervention, YASA Foundation highlighted the importance of making healthcare and rehabilitation services accessible to children with special needs, many of whom require sustained professional attention and support to enhance their independence and participation in everyday life.
At the Outreach, Specialists carried out Physiotherapy which is an important component of care for children with cerebral palsy, helping to improve movement, posture, muscle strength and physical function while Speech therapy, on the other hand, supported communication and can help children develop alternative ways of expressing their needs.
The Outreach which is part of activities ahead of the unveiling and official launch of YASA Foundation in November, this year, also drew attention to the challenges faced by some families caring for children with disabilities, particularly, the financial and practical demands associated with accessing regular therapy and specialised healthcare services.
Yeye Shona-Aluko’s intervention reflects the Foundation’s commitment to building a society in which disability does not become a barrier to dignity, opportunity, healthcare and social participation.
The Yeye Bobajiro Oodua who is an Advocate of an inclusive approach that recognises the rights and potential of children with disabilities, encouraged families, healthcare professionals, Government Agencies, Corporate Organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of Persons with Disabilities across the Country.
With the Lagos State flag off of the continuous rehabilitation support to children with disabilities, the Outreach represents an effort to bring essential services closer to vulnerable families and promote greater awareness of the need for sustained care for children with developmental disabilities, with a promise to extend such gesture to all the States of the Federation.
Some parents of the beneficiaries, including Mrs Akinwumi Ayomiwa and Mrs Fajuyi Oluwatobiloba, commended Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko and her Foundation for bringing succour to their challenges, particularly with the current economy in the Country, calling on other prominent Nigerians to emulate the good gesture of YASA Foundation.
YASA Foundation remains committed to promoting inclusion, dignity and opportunity for vulnerable populations, with particular attention to children and persons with disabilities by touching their lives and raising their hope.