More support needed for people with cerebral palsy, fight stigma

Henry Konga, Director- Ongata Rongai Special School and Training Centre , Wanjiru Mwangi , Chair Person – Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya, Sammy Muthui, CEO – Minet Kenya, George Kakala, Programs Director - Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya, during Cerebral Palsy sensitization day at Minet headquarters, Nairobi.

There is a need of concerted efforts by both the government and private sector players to strengthen response to cerebral palsy through awareness, improve access to treatment and fight stigma.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ breakfast organized by Minet Kenya to mark the World Cerebral Palsy Month, Minet Kenya Chief Executive Officer Sammy Muthui said awareness about the cerebral palsy was still low in the country despite the fact that it contributes close to 5 percent of disability among children and adults.

“At the moment, cerebral palsy ranks among leading causes of disability among children hence the need to rededicate efforts towards this neurological disorder through financing towards quality therapy, treatment and public awareness. As part of our corporate social responsibility, we have supported care and treatment of persons with cerebral palsy and this is a rededication of our efforts towards supporting this cause,” he said,

Mr. Muthui said Minet had partnered with Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya and Ongata Rongai Special Home and Training Centre to lobby for policies and legislation that strengthens action on Cerebral Palsy.

Speaking at the same event Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya Programme director George Kakala said stigma associated with the disorder poses a major challenge in tackling the issue, noting that raising a child with cerebral palsy encompasses social stigma which places affected children and their families at a disadvantage resulting in extraordinary hardship.

“Stigmatization is rife among children with disabilities and their families denying them the basics such as health care, education, socialization and recognition. We therefore would like to thank Minet Kenya for supporting public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma on persons affected by cerebral palsy,” Mr. Kakala said.

A study conducted by Orion Foundation and Breakthrough Consulting in late 2016, revealed that only 14% of the general public interviewed were aware of Cerebral Palsy, with many people not aware of the availability of facilities that support cerebral palsy cases. Special schools were cited as the most available to parents with children with cerebral palsy.