The Kaduna State Government has begun distributing 100 specialised pediatric wheelchairs to children with mobility impairments.
The initiative is under the Build-A-World of Play programme, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
The distribution, which began on Friday in Kaduna, had in attendance senior government officials, health leaders, and implementing partners.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that CHAI formally handed over the wheelchairs to the state during the ceremony.
Mohammad Bello-Usman, Kaduna Assistive Technology Programme Lead, said the wheelchairs provide critical postural support.
He said its features include fitted headrests, backrests, and positioning straps.
Bello-Usman added that the support helps protect children’s developing bodies from long-term postural deformities.
“Each child undergoes an individualised fitting session to ensure proper use. Parents and caregivers also receive training on safe use and maintenance.
“The initiative is led by the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the State Primary Healthcare Board.
“CHAI and the LEGO Foundation provide support and funding,”he said.
Speaking further, he said the programme aligns with the state’s disability-inclusive framework.
He said it focused on early identification, access to assistive technologies, and play-based interventions for inclusion and development.
Beyond wheelchairs, Bello-Usman said children have received other assistive devices based on assessed needs.
He said it include; crutches, back slabs, ankle boots, sitting and standing boxes, glasses, and guide canes.
“Since inception, the programme has screened over 171,000 children for developmental delays. Assessments cover visual, mobility, cognitive, communication, and hearing domains through ECD screenings at schools, primary healthcare centers, and communities.
“With support from CHAI, we have moved beyond policy into practical, measurable action,” Bello-Usman said. “Children with disabilities are now identified early and supported appropriately,”he said.
Esther Jibji, Director of Special Programmes at SUBEB, said CHAI has strengthened institutional capacity for early identification and timely interventions, including assistive devices.
She added that the education board remains committed to sustaining the progress and improving outcomes across the state.
Cecelia Marcus, Focal Person for the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, said the wheelchair provision is part of a broader effort to expand access to assistive technologies for children with disabilities nationwide.
She noted that over 2,000 children have already been identified through state-led screening.
“Sustained government-led support is needed to ensure early identification and expand access to rehabilitation services,” Marcus said.(NAN)
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