How stigma isolates children with Cerebral Palsy in Kwara
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Saturday, Feb. 9, was meant to be an ordinary haircut day for Mrs Oluwabusayo Olaoye and her two sons.
However, barely two minutes into her younger son Michael’s haircut, the atmosphere in the small neighbourhood salon shifted.
The barber paused, and politely refused to continue; not because Michael misbehaved, but because he has cerebral palsy.
Within minutes, two other customers left, unwilling to remain in the same space with a child living with the condition.
What should have been a quick weekend routine instead became a painful reminder of the stigma families of children with cerebral palsy face daily.
“The older brother has often complained about people giving different attitudes whenever I ask him to bring Michael for a haircut,” Olaoye explained.
“That’s why I decided to go with them myself this time. But the embarrassment was still overwhelming”.
Although the barber tried to be polite, suggesting they return in the evening when fewer customers were around, the experience left the family humiliated and aware of how society treats children with cerebral palsy.
“I can’t really blame the barber because it is his business, but it is unfortunate that children with cerebral palsy are treated like aliens, when they are supposed to be shown love,” she added.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement, posture, and balance due to non-progressive damage to the developing brain, usually before, during, or shortly after birth.
Globally, it affects approximately 1.2 per cent of children under five, with higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income nations.
In Nigeria, official data is scarce, but CP is believed to be among the most common neurological disorders.
In 2017, researchers at the University of Lagos reported that around 700,000 Nigerians were living with the condition.
A major cause of cerebral palsy in the country is untreated neonatal jaundice; a build-up of bilirubin in the blood, which gives a yellow tinge to a newborn’s skin.
Most cases resolve within days with treatment, which involves exposing the baby to ultraviolet light to dissolve excess bilirubin.
However, in Nigeria, this treatment is often unavailable or delayed, placing the country among the five nations with the highest incidence of neurological disorders caused by untreated jaundice, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Health experts insist that timely intervention is crucial, noting that treatment for neonatal jaundice must occur within the first ten days of life.
They warn that any delay can result in permanent brain damage and severe cerebral palsy.
Yet, beyond the medical challenges lies the persistent struggle of social stigma.
Even when parents or caregivers follow professional advice to involve children in recreational and social activities for self-development, societal prejudice often hinders participation.
Dr Aishat Abdulraheem, a physiotherapist at Lifeguard Hospital, advised parents to seek professional assessment and early intervention rather than isolating their children.
“Isolation decreases self-esteem, increases social anxiety, and can cause more harm than good.
“Early intervention enhances cognitive development, social skills, and emotional well-being, while regular assessments and social integration significantly improve motor skills, balance, and coordination,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Alfred Abegunde, former Director of the Physiotherapy Unit at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, emphasised the need for inclusive healthcare and rehabilitation.
He noted that caregivers focusing on abilities rather than disabilities can help children navigate schools and social environments more effectively.
Sharing their experiences, Olaoye urged parents to showcase their children with pride.
“Though the stigmatisation when walking on the road or attending events is overwhelming; as if it is a contagious disease, I urge parents to see their CP children as personal blessings.
“Society should accept us for who we are. Many parents hide their children due to stigma, which hinders development. We must not let this define us,” she said.
Hajia Fatimah Salau, another parent, explained how stigma affects her daughter’s physical and mental health.
“Keeping her indoors due to the awkward stares leads to excessive weight gain, increased agitation, and less social interaction,” she said.
Some parents argue that specialised schools could help reduce stigma in Kwara State.
The State School of Special Needs, they say, cannot fully cater to children who are still dependent on caregivers.
Mrs Shukurat Afolabi called on the government to establish a school specifically for cerebral palsy children or, at the very least, provide trained ‘shadow teachers’ to support their inclusion in mainstream schools.
“Most private schools do not admit CP children because regular teachers cannot attend to their needs. Shadow teachers could provide necessary support and greatly improve their learning experience,” she explained.
Mr Ifeoluwa Anishe, a CP advocate and founder of Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, highlighted his own experience of stigma but stressed resilience and achievement.
A master’s degree holder in Counselling Education from the University of Ilorin, Anishe called for specialised schools and employment opportunities for individuals with CP, emphasising that inclusion and support can unlock their potential.
In spite of persistent stares, whispers and social exclusion, families of children with cerebral palsy continue to show resilience and determination.
Their lived experiences reinforce a shared position among parents, health experts and advocates: the greatest challenge facing children with cerebral palsy is not the condition itself, but society’s failure to understand and accommodate it.
To address this, stakeholders say urgent and coordinated action is required.
State governments, especially in Kwara, are urged to strengthen inclusive education policies by deploying trained shadow teachers in public schools.
They are also encouraged to expand access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, and to review existing special needs institutions to better cater for children who require ongoing support.
Health authorities are also advised to intensify public education on neonatal care, especially the importance of early detection and timely treatment of neonatal jaundice, which experts identify as a major preventable cause of cerebral palsy in Nigeria. (NAN)
