Gambia Celebrates World Cerebral Palsy Day

Mrs. Sidieh Sillah (PHOTO Credit Yankuba Jallow)

By Ousman A. Marong

On 30 March 2019, Penmar Physiotherapy Clinic in collaboration with special Mothers, parents and care-givers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) celebrated World Cerebral Palsy Day, at Penmar Physiotherapy Clinic in Kotu.

The Celebration is part of activities to commemorate World Cerebral Palsy Day, the first of its kind in The Gambia.

“Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects children’s together with other neurological disorders which affect the muscles thus causes brain damage, visual problems,” said Mrs Penda Sidibeh Sillah – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Penmar Physiotherapy Clinic while addressing the gathering.

The celebration is on the theme: “All kids are equal-CP needs special attention,” (let’s shift the culture).

Mrs Sillah also said the celebration serves as a skill-learning platform for care-givers and the movement of people with CP and their families, and the organization that supports them.

“Our vision at Penmar Physiotherapy Clinic is to ensure that children have rights, access, and opportunities as anyone else in the society is guaranteed and safeguarded,” adding that “these are kids, with potentials.”

 

Parent's of Children With Celebral Palsy Disorder. (PHOTO Credit News Bite)

She highlighted that the severity of these conditions in children does not progress, but instead remain static in the brains of affected children, and leads to stunted growth of children.

Mrs. Amie Darboe the founder of ‘Isha-Ebra’ for her part said it is her passion to see every child with Cerebral Palsy disorder as properly taking good care of.

“I wish ‘Isha-Ebra’ could also open their own foundation, to support parents and care-givers with Cerebral Palsy disorder, but we have limited resources and cannot,” she said.

Mrs. Mariama Luis called on corporate organizations to support the Penmar Physiotherapy Clinic to enable them accept more children.