The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Royal School of Education Therapy Foundation on Friday called for inclusive healthcare for children with special needs.
The appeal was made in Abuja during the second edition of the Free Family Health Fair, organized by the foundation in collaboration with the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat. The fair focused on children with developmental disabilities, maternal health, and preventive care.
Speakers emphasized that children with special needs can no longer be overlooked in healthcare planning, noting that gaps in access and awareness continue to put vulnerable families at risk.
Dr. Badewa Williams, founder of the foundation, said the fair aimed to dispel harmful health myths and help parents understand critical developmental milestones for children with special needs. She revealed that over 250,000 children with developmental disabilities have been identified in the FCT alone, with many more likely undocumented, especially in rural areas.
“When you look at a child, you have to consider them holistically. What was the birthing process like? Did the mother receive prenatal care? Many parents do not keep records of these details,” Williams said. “Early identification and intervention significantly improve outcomes for children with developmental disorders.”
Dr. Salma Belgore, Acting Director of the FCTA Health Insurance Scheme, stressed that children with special needs must be deliberately prioritized under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). Belgore, represented by the Acting Head of Equity and Special Programmes, Vershima Igyundu, warned that sidelining this group can have long-term consequences for families and the health system.
“Persons with special needs are among the most vulnerable in our communities, often facing barriers to timely, affordable, and quality healthcare. Strengthening the BHCPF programme must include deliberate enrollment of this group,” she said. “A health system is only as strong as its ability to reach those most at risk of being left behind. Every life, regardless of ability, deserves protection.”
Osayande Osagie of the FCT Department of Public Health highlighted the dangers of misinformation and secrecy during pregnancy, particularly around life-saving procedures such as caesarean sections. He also stressed the importance of comprehensive prenatal assessments, including social history, medical history, BMI, and screenings for conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
The fair, part of an ongoing effort to promote disability inclusion, preventive care, and access to healthcare services across the FCT, screened more than 100 residents for diabetes, hypertension, BMI, and other risk factors.
