YASA Foundation Continues Speech and Physiotherapy Support For Children With Cerebral Palsy In Lagos

By Wale Asake

In a continued demonstration of its commitment to promoting inclusive healthcare and improving the quality of life of vulnerable children, the Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, YASA Foundation has continued a special therapeutic intervention featuring speech therapy and physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy and others requiring specialised developmental support.

The programme, held at Akerele Primary Health Centre, Surulere, Lagos State, brought together children with special needs, their parents and healthcare professionals to provide essential therapeutic services aimed at improving the children’s communication abilities, mobility and overall well-being.

The initiative formed part of the Foundation’s efforts to support children with developmental challenges and ensure that they have access to essential healthcare services, regardless of their circumstances.

Children with cerebral palsy may experience difficulties with movement, posture, speech and coordination, making access to appropriate therapeutic care important for their development and participation in everyday activities, hence the humanitarian service being put together by The Yeye Bobajiro Oodua and Founder of the Foundation, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko.

Speaking, the Founder of YASA Foundation, Yeye(Dr) Afolashade Shona-Aluko, said the programme reflected the Foundation’s commitment to promoting dignity, inclusion and equal opportunities for children and other vulnerable members of society.

According to her, persons with disabilities deserve love, attention, appropriate healthcare and opportunities to develop their abilities to the fullest, stressing that their conditions should never become a reason for discrimination or exclusion in society.

She explained that YASA Foundation was particularly concerned about families who struggle to access regular speech therapy, physiotherapy and other essential interventions because of financial constraints.

Yeye Shona-Aluko said the initiative was designed to bring professional support closer to families while raising awareness about the importance of early intervention and continued therapeutic care for the needed beneficiaries.

She added that the Foundation would continue to explore opportunities to support vulnerable children and persons with disabilities through healthcare interventions, inclusive programmes and partnerships with relevant stakeholders that are willing to share in her vision.

The Yeye Bobajiro Oodua also called on Government Agencies, Healthcare Professionals, Corporate Organisations, Philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives that improve access to specialised care for children with developmental challenges.

She maintained that building an inclusive society required collective responsibility, compassion and sustained investment in the well-being of people who often face barriers to accessing essential services.

Responding, some parents and caregivers of the children who benefited from the medical outreach expressed appreciation to YASA Foundation and its Founder for providing access to such all important therapeutic services, describing the intervention as a welcome source of support for families having children with special needs.

One of the beneficiary parents said access to speech therapy and physiotherapy was important to the child’s development, noting that the cost and availability of such services could present challenges for families seeking regular care.

The parent expressed hope that similar interventions would continue, allowing more children to benefit from professional attention and helping families better understand how to support their children’s progress at home.

Another parent commended YASA Foundation for continued support to children who require specialised care, explaining that initiatives of this nature could help reduce the burden on caregivers while giving them renewed encouragement.

The parent urged other organisations, private individuals and public institutions to emulate and support YASA Foundation by ensuring that the families of those with the challenges do not face them alone.

The beneficiaries’ parents also emphasised the need for sustained access to speech therapy, physiotherapy and other relevant healthcare services, noting that consistent support is important to children’s development.