The Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) has called attention to the lack of comprehensive policies and support services for spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors in Nigeria, stressing the urgent need for improvement in rehabilitation and medical care for individuals affected by these life-altering injuries. The Interim President of SCIAN, Abdulwahab Matepo, made this appeal during a statement in celebration of the International Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day, observed on September 5, 2024. The theme for this year’s event was “End Violence: Protect the Spinal Cord.”
Matepo raised alarm over the rising number of spinal cord injuries caused by violence across the globe, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding the human nervous system. He pointed out that while survivors of conditions such as blindness, deafness, polio, and albinism are more visible in public spaces, spinal cord injury survivors remain largely invisible in Nigeria due to the absence of post-injury support systems.
“Damage to the spinal cord is often worsened by untrained first responders, the lack of immediate medical attention, and the absence of rehabilitation facilities,” Matepo stated. “The near-total absence of spinal cord injury survivors in Nigeria’s public space unlike the blind, deaf, polio survivors, and those with albinism is due to the lack of post-injury support systems, especially rehabilitation,” he added.
He expressed deep concern about the impact of violent confrontations on spinal cord injuries, noting that violence—from physical assaults to gunshots—is a major cause of these injuries. He stressed the irreversible effects of spinal cord damage, including paralysis, loss of sensation and mobility, chronic pain, and complications involving respiratory and cardiovascular functions.
A Call to End Violence and Promote Non-Violent Conflict Resolution
Matepo used the occasion to urge both individuals and governments to take proactive steps to prevent violent incidents that lead to spinal cord injuries. He advocated for the promotion of non-violent conflict resolution, support for violence prevention programs, and concerted efforts to address the threats posed by non-state actors involved in violent activities.
“Governments and individuals should strive to promote non-violent conflict resolution, support violence prevention programs, and address the menace of non-state actors involved in violent activities,” Matepo emphasized. He urged Nigerians to be mindful of their actions, take necessary precautions, and play their part in reducing the risk of spinal cord injuries.
Matepo underscored the devastating and life-altering nature of spinal cord injuries, pointing out that the effects often go beyond the physical damage. The emotional and psychological toll on survivors, their families, and caregivers can be overwhelming. “The devastating effects of spinal cord injuries are unimaginable and life-altering,” he said, as he detailed the long-term consequences survivors face.
Lack of Rehabilitation Facilities in Nigeria
Another key point raised by the SCIAN President was the critical need for rehabilitation facilities specifically designed to care for individuals with spinal cord injuries. In Nigeria, the absence of such facilities has created a significant gap in the healthcare system, leaving many SCI survivors without the necessary resources to reintegrate into society and live fulfilling lives.
Matepo lamented that the lack of specialized rehabilitation services often results in spinal cord injury survivors being confined to their homes, further isolating them from society. This contrasts with survivors of other disabilities, such as blindness or polio, who are more visible and often benefit from more established support systems.
The lack of trained medical personnel, particularly first responders, was also highlighted as a major factor in exacerbating spinal cord injuries. In many cases, first responders unintentionally worsen the injuries due to a lack of proper training in how to handle spinal trauma victims. Immediate and effective medical attention is crucial for minimizing the long-term effects of spinal cord injuries, yet Nigeria continues to lag in this area.
Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries in Nigeria
Matepo also highlighted the numerous causes of spinal cord injuries beyond violence, which include road traffic crashes, falls, sports injuries, and even birth defects. He urged Nigerians to take extra precautions in their daily activities to reduce the risk of such injuries. Whether it’s adhering to road safety regulations, using appropriate protective gear in sports, or making homes and public spaces safer, preventive measures can go a long way in reducing the incidence of spinal cord injuries.
“From physical assaults to gunshots, the effects of spinal cord injuries such as paralysis, loss of sensation and mobility, chronic pain, and respiratory and cardiovascular complications are often irreversible,” Matepo said. “Other causes of SCIs include road traffic crashes, falls, sports injuries, and birth defects.”
Lagos State Government’s Landmark Contribution
SCIAN commended the Lagos State Government for its significant contribution toward addressing this healthcare gap by allocating a parcel of land to SCIAN to build a state-of-the-art Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre. The proposed facility, when completed, will provide specialized care and rehabilitation services for spinal cord injury survivors, offering them a much-needed lifeline to reintegrate into society and regain independence.
Matepo extended his gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration for this visionary step, and called on other state governments, organizations, and individuals to follow suit by supporting the initiative in any way they can. The construction of the rehabilitation center, he stressed, is a massive step forward in the fight for comprehensive spinal cord injury care in Nigeria, but it requires collective effort to bring it to fruition.
“We are deeply grateful to the Lagos State Government for its foresight in allocating land for this critical project,” he stated. “But we still need the support of public-spirited individuals, corporate organizations, and the international community to ensure the realization of this rehabilitation center. This will be a significant leap in providing the kind of comprehensive care that SCI survivors need to live fulfilling lives.”
A Call to Action
In closing, SCIAN reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of spinal cord injury survivors in Nigeria. The association called on the federal government to implement comprehensive policies that would ensure access to rehabilitation services, improve medical care for SCI survivors, and provide long-term support for their reintegration into society.
Matepo also appealed to Nigerians to take spinal cord injuries seriously, noting that anyone could be affected, and without adequate systems in place, the consequences could be dire for both individuals and the nation.
With a renewed focus on spinal cord injury awareness and the urgent need for systemic changes, SCIAN hopes that the International Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day will mark the beginning of more concrete actions aimed at protecting and supporting spinal cord injury survivors across Nigeria.
