Abuja, Nigeria – September 5, 2025 – As the world commemorates International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day 2025, the Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiative (RHOWI), a leading advocacy organization championing the rights and welfare of persons with spinal cord injuries, has called on government, institutions, and citizens to prioritize fall prevention and create safer environments for all Nigerians.
This year’s theme, “Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection,” shines a spotlight on one of the most urgent but often overlooked global health concerns: the prevention of falls, which remain a leading cause of spinal cord injuries worldwide. In Nigeria, where unsafe housing, poor infrastructure, and lax safety standards prevail, falls in homes, workplaces, and public spaces continue to leave thousands of people with life-altering disabilities each year.
RHOWI stressed that preventing spinal cord injuries is not just a medical responsibility but a societal duty. Simple but deliberate actions, such as installing safety rails for the elderly, enforcing strict workplace safety protocols, improving roads and building infrastructure, and promoting safe lifestyle habits, could dramatically reduce the prevalence of SCI across the country.
“Every fall prevented is a life and future preserved,” said Hajia Sa’a, Program Officer at RHOWI. “Spinal cord injuries not only impact individuals physically, but they also impose emotional, financial, and social burdens on families and communities. What Nigeria urgently needs is a coordinated national response, including a world-class spinal cord injury rehabilitation center, sustained public education campaigns, and government policies that put safety and inclusion at the forefront.”
The organization warned that without intentional interventions, Nigeria will continue to face rising numbers of preventable spinal cord injuries, which place immense pressure on health systems and families alike. RHOWI emphasized that survivors often face discrimination, unemployment, limited access to rehabilitation, and inadequate social protection, further compounding their struggles.
During its advocacy call, RHOWI outlined three key priority areas for Nigeria:
- Strengthening safety and prevention policies in homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces.
- Establishing comprehensive rehabilitation and care centers that can provide both medical and psychosocial support to persons living with SCI.
- Promoting awareness and inclusion, ensuring that persons with SCI are not left behind but are given equal opportunities to live fulfilling and productive lives.
The group also urged government agencies, health institutions, civil society organizations, and the media to work collaboratively in raising awareness and amplifying survivor voices. By doing so, Nigeria can not only reduce the incidence of new injuries but also ensure that survivors are supported in living with dignity and independence.
International Spinal Cord Injury Day, marked annually on September 5, was established by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) to increase global awareness of spinal cord injuries, advocate for prevention, and promote the rights and inclusion of survivors. This year, the theme underscores the urgent need to prioritize fall prevention in national safety strategies.
For RHOWI, the day is more than commemoration—it is a call to action. The organization reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocacy, awareness, and survivor support, urging all Nigerians to recognize spinal cord injury prevention as a shared responsibility.
As Hajia Sa’a poignantly put it:
“We must build a society where prevention is prioritized, survivors are supported, and every Nigerian—regardless of ability—has the chance to live a life of dignity, productivity, and hope.”
With its renewed advocacy, RHOWI hopes that Nigeria will take decisive steps to ensure that the message of this year’s theme translates into meaningful action for millions of citizens.
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