Agency
Succour recently came the way of 300 children with brittle bone disease in Lagos and Delta States as they were gifted wheelchairs by a non-governmental organisation, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Nigeria.
While giving a breakdown of the distribution in Lagos on Thursday, the founder of the organisation, Ms Tarela Aghanti, Founder of OIFN, said 200 wheelchairs would be distributed in Lagos, while 100 would be shared with those in Agbor, Delta State.
She explained that brittle bone disease is not witchcraft-related, but a rare medical disorder, and appealed to the public to accept and love children with the medical condition.
Aghanti said her foundation organised the free distribution of walking aids and wheelchairs to show love to children living with the disease and called on other privileged persons and corporate bodies to always remember those with the disorder.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta also known as brittle bone disease is an inherited genetic bone disorder that is present at birth, and which makes bones fragile, causing them to break easily.
Brittle bone occurs in approximately one in every 10,000 to 20,000 births, varies considerably in severity, and has no racial or ethnic predisposition.
Aghanti said that awareness about osteogenesis imperfecta was low in Nigeria with many people attributing the disease to a spiritual problem that requires prayers and deliverance.
She added, “In Nigeria, we need to improve awareness about Osteogenesis Imperfecta Disease and debunk misconceptions that the condition is associated with witchcraft, curses and bewitchment.
“Enlightenment is critical for early detection and treatment to enable children with it to live a normal life.”
Aghanti noted that treatment for brittle bone condition included bone-strengthening medication, physiotherapy and corrective surgery.
She said that OIFN was established in 2016 had been creating awareness about the disease, and had equipped some Nigerian children with the necessary tools to improve their quality of life and independence.
“The distribution of 300 wheelchairs and walking aids to children with osteogenesis imperfecta today will help to improve the children’s mobility and function,’’ she said.
Aghanti added that the foundation has been supporting children with the disease by providing bisphosphonate medication and conducting life-changing corrective rodding surgery.
She, however, appealed to the government to assist in enhancing awareness and access to treatment for children living with the disorder.
A former Vice-President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mrs Agnes Shobajo, also called for more awareness and collaboration with government and corporate organisations to improve treatment for people with brittle bone disease.
She said, “Incidentally, my grandson, Tise Ajayi, is nine years old and has never walked because of osteogenesis imperfecta.
“Finding out their child has this condition without proper knowledge or support from birth has been difficult and devastating for many parents and children.
“Collectively, we can play a critical role in supporting children with brittle bone condition and eradicate all inhibitions affecting their normal development.”
(NAN)
