CCBRT seeks funds to treat children with cerebral palsy

Dar es Salaam. In a bid to address the critical needs of children under the age of five battling cerebral palsy, a call for solidarity has been issued across Tanzania.

Parents, citizens, and both public and private organisations are being implored to unite in support of a fundraising campaign initiated by CCBRT Hospital.

Medical supplies for children undergoing treatment at the hospital have become scarce, with some parents unable to procure them due to abandonment by their partners.

Orthopaedic specialist Naelijwa Mbilu has urged parents to take children with cerebral palsy to the hospital early to receive prompt treatment and support their timely development.

“Early treatment helps because the brain continues to grow, so they can receive developmental treatment at the earliest appropriate age,” said Nerijo.

She advised parents to monitor their children closely to detect changes quickly and to stop believing that anything happening to the child is due to superstitious beliefs, as children’s problems are caused by many factors.

Amidst the challenge, the Chief Executive Officer of Creditinfo Tanzania, Edwin Urasa, has declared his intention to launch a fundraising campaign specifically aimed at assisting children under the age of five who suffer from cerebral palsy.

“For the year 2024, the goal is to help 300 children with cerebral palsy in the country by providing comprehensive services including surgery, medication, physical therapy, laboratory services, and scanning,” said Urasa.

He stated that the annual care for one child amounts to Sh2 million and in order to fulfil this requirement, they have pledged to raise Sh100 million for the treatment of 30 children.

“These funds will not only cover treatment expenses but will also contribute 10 percent towards CCBRT’s annual target in the specified area,” he shared.

However, he further added that the decision to raise funds for children with brain disorders treated at the hospital is based on a track record of providing comprehensive services, especially in addressing the needs of children with cerebral palsy.

According to CCBRT Director Brenda Msangi, they serve approximately 3,000 children, totaling around 9,000 treatment phases per year for children with cerebral palsy.

“The contribution will help us and the parents because there are essential needs that need to be met. Therefore, those of us who provide rehabilitation services, especially for children with brain disorders, need to provide ongoing treatment,” said Brenda.

Speaking yesterday at the fundraiser, Ashura Hamisi said they receive free treatment for their children under five, but the challenge is affording the cost of medical supplies.

“Personally, my partner abandoned me after discovering that I gave birth to a child with cerebral palsy, so I am raising the child alone, and here I have been told that the cost of the supplies my child needs is Sh400,000, which I cannot afford,” said Ashura.

Similarly, Mariam Msiga, who resides in Mkuranga, stated that she cannot participate in regular exercises because her insurance has expired.

Additionally, she lacks the necessary equipment for her child to exercise at home, as she cannot afford the associated costs.