PHOTOS: SHINE UK and Festus Fajemilo Foundation Advance Spina Bifida Care in Nigeria

In July 2024, SHINE UK and the Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF) joined forces under the Global Health Workforce Program to advance healthcare for individuals with spina bifida in Nigeria. Funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care and managed by THET and Ducit Blue Solutions, this initiative aimed to empower healthcare workers across Nigeria with specialized skills in spina bifida care.

On the 15th and 16th of July, 25 participants gathered in Lagos for intensive training. Among them were nurses and outreach workers from prominent health facilities spanning Sokoto, Abia, Abuja, Oyo, Edo, Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States. Led by experts, including Shine UK’s CEO Kate Steel and specialist nurses Brenda Cheer and Kate Garson, the sessions focused on holistic care and management strategies both in clinical settings and within homes.

Participants engaged in practical scenarios, learning to provide comprehensive care that supports individuals with spina bifida to thrive and fulfill their potential. The training emphasized not only medical care but also the importance of community outreach to enhance support networks and awareness.

Beyond clinical training, the initiative included home visits to children supported by FFF, offering a personal glimpse into the lives of those affected by spina bifida. These visits underscored the importance of tailored care plans and the dedication of healthcare professionals and caregivers.

The visit also featured engagements with Nigeria’s healthcare leadership, including meetings at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and University College Hospital (UCH). A special continence clinic at FFF’s office provided direct support while fostering ongoing collaboration between international partners and local stakeholders.

The highlight of the visit will be a dinner later today, 18th of July, where Shine UK and FFF board members will gather at Commint Buka, Allen, Ikeja. This evening will celebrate the fruitful partnership and highlight the achievements and future plans in advancing spina bifida care across Nigeria.

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