In a heartfelt effort to provide much-needed medical care to children with disabilities, the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission and the Haske Children’s Foundation partnered to deliver a transformative outreach program across Nasarawa State. The initiative, a collaborative first-of-its-kind, brought together children with disabilities from various communities, as well as students from the Nasarawa State Comprehensive Special School in Lafia, offering them free and essential medical care.
This pilot outreach marks a pivotal step in addressing healthcare needs among children with disabilities, a group that often faces unique and critical barriers to adequate medical care. With services ranging from routine health screenings to treatments for specific ailments, the program is seen as a beacon of hope for families and communities whose children might otherwise lack access to such resources. Not only did the program provide direct medical support, but it also emphasized preventative care and health education, further strengthening the capacity for ongoing well-being among the state’s youth.
Fatima Buhari, the Founder of Haske Children’s Foundation, voiced her strong commitment to expanding such efforts. “We understand that the government cannot do it alone, which is why we partnered with the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission to bring this vision to life,” she explained. “This outreach is a pilot project, and we are excited to start here in Nasarawa State with hopes to expand it nationwide. Our goal is to ensure that children with disabilities across the country can access the healthcare they deserve.” Buhari expressed gratitude for the immense support provided by the Disability Rights Commission, which she believes has been critical to the program’s success.
During the outreach, children underwent screenings and treatments for conditions such as typhoid, malaria, vision and hearing impairments, joint issues, and other diagnosed ailments. The medical team worked tirelessly to address each child’s unique needs, ensuring comprehensive care while treating these young patients with respect and dignity. Parents and caregivers watched on, relieved and hopeful, as their children received care that some of them had waited months, even years, to access.
Saleh Barde, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, described the outreach as a crucial advancement in meeting the health needs of persons with disabilities across the state. “This initiative is a critical step forward in ensuring that the challenges faced by people with disabilities are effectively addressed in Nasarawa,” Barde noted. “It aligns with the Governor’s vision to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, and as leaders of this commission, our responsibility is to fulfill this mandate with dedication.” Barde’s words echoed the sentiments of many, who see this program as more than just a medical outreach—it is a statement of commitment and an important shift towards inclusive healthcare in Nasarawa State.
Emmanuel Akabe, Nasarawa State’s Deputy Governor, also attended the event, underscoring the government’s support and the administration’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services for all residents. After touring the facility and speaking with healthcare workers and organizers, Akabe pledged that the government would continue to back similar initiatives, emphasizing that such programs are vital to the state’s vision of inclusive development. “The government remains fully supportive of efforts that improve the wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens, and children with disabilities are no exception,” he affirmed.
Families who participated in the program expressed their gratitude and appreciation, with many noting that the outreach had already made a positive impact in their lives. “My daughter has been struggling with joint pains, and getting treatment here has lifted a huge burden off our shoulders,” shared one mother. Others spoke of newfound hope, as they saw their children receiving care that was often inaccessible or financially burdensome.
Organizers are committed to ensuring the outreach is more than a one-time event; instead, they envision it as an ongoing intervention aimed at improving the lives and health of children with disabilities across the region. Plans are already in place to expand the outreach to other communities, with a vision of ultimately reaching children nationwide. By offering both treatment and health education, the program is expected to empower families and communities to continue prioritizing health and well-being long after the outreach team has departed.
As the Nasarawa Disability Rights Commission and Haske Children’s Foundation continue to join forces, their collaborative outreach stands as a testament to the power of community-driven support. For these children and their families, the program has become a source of comfort and optimism, a step toward bridging the healthcare gap for persons with disabilities.
