From TCNEWS
The Straight Child Foundation, TSCF, Saturday, November 9, 2024 embarked on a collaborative health walk with the Umuahia chapter of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) in Umuahia.
The health walk cum sensitization exercise, which is also part of the TSCF’s activities marking her 7th anniversary, saw the organizations move round the major streets, roads and markets in Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State.
Addressing the traders, residents and drivers at Orie Ugba market, Isi gate and Aba motor park respectively, the Project Supervisor of The Straight Child Foundation, TSCF Mr. Bright Amadi, espoused and expounded some misconceptions that surrounds Clubfoot and Cerebral palsy, notifying the public also that TSCF has been treating Clubfoot cases and managing cases of Cerebral Palsy for seven years running forward.
He encouraged the public to jettison some misconceptions about Clubfoot which include the belief that it is caused by a parent’s actions, is a result of witchcraft or “bad karma”, or that it is incurable.
Amadi, who explained that the most common sign of clubfoot is one or both feet turning inward, baby’s foot faces the opposite leg, further explained that with proper treatment, 95 percent of children with clubfoot can be fully treated and go on to lead active and productive lives.
He also explained that although incurable, the Foundation which boast of a functional modern pediatric gym, has been also managing cases of Cerebral palsy.
Interacting with newsmen, the vision bearer of the Foundation, Dr. Mrs Peace Amaraegbulam, who harped on the essence and importance of early detection of the the health cases, encouraged parents and caregivers to place their surveillance cameras on their children as they grow and report to the nearest health centre or clinic if they noticed any of the signs and symptoms.
Speaking specifically on CP cases, she said, “Early intervention allows doctors to provide therapies that significantly improve the child’s motor and cognitive development and helps to delay or prevent complications like joint contractures and poor posture.
“Parents can learn strategies to better manage the child’s needs, reducing stress, and improving family dynamics early. Also early access to speech therapy, communication assistive tools, and cognitive development programmes, will help reduce the child’s social frustration and improve interaction.
“Early diagnosis often leads to better long-term outcomes, helping children maximize their abilities as the brain benefits from the concept of neuromodulation”.
Amaraegbulam, an Orthopedic Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia who also encouraged the public on regular visits to healthcare centres to help monitor progress and make necessary adjustments in care, reiterated the objective of the Foundation to engage the Umuahia community and bring much-needed attention to TSCF’s work, fostering a supportive environment for individuals and families affected by Clubfoot and Cerebral Palsy.
She said that the exercise was not only an opportunity to celebrate TSCF’s achievements but also to “increase community awareness about our mission; providing treatment to Clubfoot patients and supporting individuals with Cerebral Palsy”.
Giving a brief synopsis of the Foundation, Dr Uchenna Oluwatosin, the Team Leader of the Foundation, and the Director of Physiotherapy and Head of Physiotherapy Department, FMC, who eulogized the sterling qualities and excellent performance of TSCF vision bearer, said that Dr. Amaraegbulam saw excellence and the beauty in taking care children with special cases in another clime, came back, shared her dream with her colleagues, who also bought the idea which gave birth to The Straight Child Foundation.
She expressed happiness that over the years, the Foundation which has spread its tentacles across ten States in Nigeria, has affected most homes positively through its services.
Also interacting with newsmen, the Vice President of the Umuahia chapter of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Engr. Mrs Princess Nkeiruka Frederick, who appreciated the collaboration with TSCF, encouraged the public to always embark on health exercise as health is wealth.