In commemoration of the 2024 World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day (WSBHD) with the theme, “Bridging Gaps Together,” the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Nigeria (SBHAN) in collaboration with the Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF) held an awareness walk to challenge the myths and misconceptions targeted against persons with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
The walk, which started at the Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT), attracted a diverse group of participants, including children and young adults with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, their parents and family members, volunteers, and healthcare professionals.
While speaking at the end of the walk, Mr Afolabi Fajemilo, the Executive Director of FFF explained that the walk was organized not only to commemorate the WSBHD but to show the public that persons with SP&H can live meaningful lives like their counterparts without disabilities.
Mr Fajemilo said “we are here today to show the world that individuals with spina bifida and hydrocephalus are not defined by their conditions. We aim to bridge the gaps in understanding and promote inclusion.”
Also speaking, the President of SBHAN, Mr Hassan Funmilayo explained that “this is not just about raising awareness in one day, but about changing societal attitudes toward people who live with these conditions everyday.”
Funmilayo, who is also a father of a child with spina bifida shared that it is important that members of the public treat those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus with dignity and not disdain.
The groups also visited the Nigerian Union of Journalists office to seek media support for a wider awareness and public education on issues of spina bifida and hydrocephalus.