calls for inclusive medical structures to end needless deaths and promote equal opportunities
LAGOS — The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action toward strengthening the country’s healthcare system to adequately cater for the needs of persons with disabilities, particularly those living with Down syndrome.
This passionate appeal was made by the President of the Foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi, during a health walk organized in Lagos to commemorate the 2025 Down Syndrome Awareness Month with the theme: “Inclusive Healthcare Support for All.”
The event, which brought together families, health professionals, advocates, and well-wishers, aimed to raise public consciousness on the condition and reinforce the message of acceptance, inclusion, and equal access to healthcare for people with Down syndrome.
Healthcare System Not Meeting the Needs of PWDs
Speaking during the awareness walk, Mrs. Mordi lamented that despite several advocacy efforts, the Nigerian healthcare system has continued to fail persons with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities like Down syndrome.
According to her, many children with Down syndrome face unique health challenges that the current system does not address.
“People with Down syndrome often require specific medical attention which is not readily available within our healthcare system. Most of them are born with congenital heart conditions, commonly referred to as a ‘hole in the heart,’ which requires surgical intervention,” she explained.
She noted that because local hospitals often lack the facilities and equipment to perform such delicate surgeries, many families are forced to seek medical help abroad — an option beyond the financial reach of most parents.
“The financial burden of traveling abroad for surgery is enormous. With the current economic downturn, many families can’t afford it. As a result, many children die young — not because they have Down syndrome, but because their medical needs are not met,” Mrs. Mordi added emotionally.
Call for Inclusive Health Structures and Policy Action
Mrs. Mordi urged the government to take deliberate steps to reform and equip public hospitals with modern facilities and trained specialists who can handle the unique health needs of children with Down syndrome within the country.
“We have the manpower in Nigeria — what we lack is the right structure and the needed equipment. Government must prioritize inclusive healthcare policies and put proper systems in place to ensure that children with Down syndrome are not left behind,” she emphasized.
She further appealed to policymakers, health administrators, and leaders at all levels to place the health issues of people with Down syndrome on the “front burner” of the nation’s health agenda.
“We do not want to continue taking these children out of the country for medical care. Let’s fix our hospitals to be capable of handling these cases so that every Nigerian child, regardless of ability, can access quality healthcare at home,” she said.
Advocating for Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
Also speaking at the event, Ms. Nike Denis, the National Administrator of DSFN, stressed that the health walk was not only about awareness but also about promoting total inclusion and equality for all persons with disabilities.
She maintained that when the health needs of persons with disabilities are adequately met, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy and development.
“People with Down syndrome are just like everyone else. They have dreams, ambitions, and goals. They want to go to school, build careers, and have families. The least we can do as a society is to give them equal rights and access to healthcare, education, and employment,” she stated.
Ms. Denis reiterated that inclusion must move beyond mere rhetoric to actionable policies and funding commitments from the government and other stakeholders.
Parents Cry Out for Support and Recognition
For parents of children with Down syndrome, the challenges are enormous and deeply personal. One of them, Mr. Emmanuel Okoesele, expressed frustration over the lack of government support and social protection systems for families raising children with disabilities.
“I am a father, and this is my daughter with Down syndrome. Many parents hide their children at home because of stigma and lack of support. We are paying out of pocket for everything — from therapy to hospital visits. The government is not doing enough,” he said.
Okoesele urged the federal government to enact and enforce laws that promote recognition and inclusion of persons with disabilities, adding that such laws would help society understand the value and potential contributions of persons with Down syndrome.
“The government should make laws that promote recognition and inclusion of persons with disabilities. These children can contribute to national growth if given the right support and opportunities,” he added.
A Call to Action
The 2025 Down Syndrome Awareness Month serves as a reminder that inclusion must start with empathy, commitment, and investment in systems that protect the vulnerable.
As Mrs. Mordi aptly summarized, “Let the government fix our hospitals and provide inclusive health structures. Only then can we truly say that Nigeria is a nation that leaves no one behind.”
With the collective voices of advocates, parents, and persons with disabilities growing louder, the hope remains that policymakers will finally heed the call and take tangible steps toward ensuring that inclusive healthcare becomes a reality — not just a dream — for every Nigerian with Down syndrome.
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