Pulse.ng : Rickets: Foundation reaches out to 4,000 children, treats 200 via surgical interventions in Kaduna

By Sani Idris

Hope for Village Child Foundation (HVCF) has said that it has reached out to over 4,000 children who are suffering from rickets disease since inception of their rickets project which began recorded operations in 2005.

The foundation, also said it treated no fewer than 200 via surgical interventions, adding that over 600 pregnant/lactating mothers had received their free calcium supplements for the prevention of rickets.

The foundation’s rickets project Coordinator, Juliana Ekwoanya, said this on Thursday, at the inauguration of the HVCF rickets project stakeholders in Kaduna.

Ekwoanya explained that rickets, as seen in Kaduna state is normally caused by a lack of calcium to harden the bones.

In other climates, she said it is caused due to lack of vitamin ‘D’ which does not activate calcium to enter the bone.

Ekwoanya however said in Kaduna climate,
children absorb vitamin ‘D’ from sunshine and in most cases, do not lack the vitamin.

“In spite of research, it is not certain why, in affected children, the calcium to strengthen bones is lacking in some children while others in the same families do not have this condition,” she wondered.

Ekwoanya who doubles as the foundation’s Head of Health Section, said in order to address the problem, they were supported by the Catholic German Agency
MISEREOR to assist affected children by providing them with calcium supplements.

In most cases, she said the interventions brought about correction of the deformity, where also in other cases, it does not happen and children needed surgery.

According to her, a child with rickets ordinarily takes calcium for three years, estimating that a month’s supply for one child equals N11,530.

This, she said meant that a child would need N415,080 to effectively take calcium supplements for a period of three years.

Ekwoanya lamented that when the deformity becomes severe and a child is taken for surgery, it costs between N830,000 to N1,300,000 on one leg depending on the severity.

“Sometimes this deformity affects both legs of a child, thereby doubling the cost. When a child is taken for surgery, other expenses are involved, and
help is needed for such expenses such as toiletries during the surgery period, which cost N7,000.

“Food support is also required for two
months costs which amounts N60,000. Physical therapy costs N82,000,” she said.

She explained that in determining the effectiveness of the calcium supplement,
the child’s readiness for surgery if needed and any other condition that may affect the child, chemical analysis tests,
costing N12,000 are carried out every six months.

Speaking further, the coordinator stated that the foundation promote more nutritious calcium-rich diets, conduct training in attractive use of such foods.

She added that pregnant women and lactating mothers from areas where rickets is prevalent are given calcium supplements in effort to arrest the spread it in newborns.

Also, the foundation’s Head of Sustainable Livelihood Department, Mr Sadiq Bako, said the need for the rickets project stakeholders is crucial in addressing its prevalence among children in Kaduna State.

He explained that the project, which is coming to end, needed the stakeholders who would hopefully play vital roles in sustaining the foundation’s efforts which provided calcium supplements, surgical interventions, and other necessary care to affected children.

“Effective stakeholders’ engagement is essential to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the rickets project,”he said .

Bako added that stakeholders including healthcare professionals, community leaders, and donors, could provide valuable insights, funding, and resources to support the project’s goals when it wind up.

Speaking further, he said in addressing the root causes of rickets, promoting preventive measures, improving access to treatment and care for affected children, the involvement of stakeholders would facilitate community engagement, awareness, and education about rickets disease.

“The stakeholders can advocate for policy changes and support research initiatives to better understand the causes of rickets in the region, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive approach to addressing this debilitating disease,”Bako said.

He urged them to work diligently with dedication for the cause of rickets free Kaduna state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that highpoint of the meeting was the inauguration of an eight-member exco, who were the rickets project stakeholders.

Its Chairman, Yakubu Barde, the former representative member of Chukun/Kajuru federal constituency at the house of representatives, thanked the foundation for selecting him to lead a cause for humanity.

Barde, represented by Mr Ibrahim Akawu, stated his commitment to providing support and leading the stakeholders to ensure keeping up to their mandate of ensuring succour and better life for children with ricket in the society.

NAN reports that the selected patrons for the rickets project stakeholders were Mr Titus Dauda, the Agom Kufana, and the Emir of Kajuru, Alhassan Adamu.(NAN)