By Jane Meza
Mombasa County, Kenya: The Coast Association for Persons Living with Disability has issued a passionate plea to parents and caregivers, urging them to cease concealing children with physical disabilities out of fear of societal stigma.
Hamisa Zaja, the organization’s executive director, emphasized the need for acceptance and access to support and resources for these children to lead dignified lives.
Addressing a gathering at Sayyidah Fatimah Hospital in Mlaleo, Nyali sub-county of Mombasa County, Zaja called on the government to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at sensitizing parents of children with special needs on the importance of providing unconditional love and support.
In collaboration with Dear Diaries Initiatives Kenya and Aisha Foundation CBO, the organization showcased its commitment by donating assistive devices valued at over Sh250,000 to the hospital’s therapy department.
Ms Zaja however highlighted the critical need for accessible physiotherapy facilities, advocating for their establishment up to the ward level to address the barriers faced by many families due to distance and affordability.
Expressing concern over the escalating costs of therapy equipment, Zaja lamented the tenfold increase in prices, which has deterred potential donors. ” the equipment that we used to buy at Sh150,000 now goes for up to Sh250,000,” and this has become a huge burden stressing the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to this challenge and that’s why we request the government to intervene, she pledged.
Mwanaisha Chiku, the founder of the Aisha Foundation, echoed Zaja’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention for children with minor disabilities as cerebral palsy among the children they serve and underscoring the crucial role of physical therapy in managing their condition.
Despite the efforts of organizations like the Aisha Foundation, the lack of adequate therapy equipment and facilities in Mombasa remains a pressing concern where many parents are forced to travel long distances to access therapy services at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, imposing significant financial and logistical burdens.
A parent of a child with cerebral palsy shared the emotional and practical challenges faced by families raising children with special needs stating It needs a lot of patience and heart as it is not an easy task. “It is a difficult examination from God If you are not strong-willed, you can easily abandon your child or even throw them away and husbands can easily abandon their wives because of the special needs children.” Narrate a parent with a child living with disabilities.
Responding to these impassioned pleas, Sayyida Fatimah Hospital administrator, Hannah Adam, affirmed the institution’s commitment to community partnership and collaboration.
Mlaleo assistant chief, Zubeda Farid, emphasized the government’s responsibility to support parents who are unable to afford therapy services, urging transparency and inclusion in government initiatives.
“As advocates and caregivers unite in their call for greater awareness, support, and inclusivity, the message is clear every child regardless of ability deserves to be seen as supported and embraced by society,” concluded Ms. Zubeda.
