CEREBRAL PALSY PROJECT IN ZAMBIA

Presenter: Esther MundiaMYCEPA ChairpersonMarch, 2013

BackgroundMYCEPA(a)MYCEPA (Munu Ka Yumbwa Cerebral Palsy

Association) is a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO) which was registered in July 2007.

(b)Munu Ka Yumbwa means “A Human Being Cannot be Discarded” or “Every Person Has Value”

BackgroundMYCEPA(c) The organisation was formed with the aim of

resolving Cerebral palsy associated problems like lack of knowledge and challenges faced by victims, for example.

BackgroundProject Location(a) Chisamba is a town in Zambia located in the

Central province of Zambia(b) MYCEPA project site is situated about 50km

from Lusaka along the Great North Road (GNR) in Chisamba William area near Zambeef Huntley farms and Fringilla Guest Lodge. The plot is by the GNR roadside. It is about 2.5 hectares in size and the land was purchased from Fringilla farms at a cost of USD 6000 in 2007

Background cont;Cerebral palsy in ZambiaIn Zambia, some parents and children are not so lucky in terms of something which caused these children not develop as normally as other children. Some children suffer from brain damage

Background cont;Cerebral palsy in ZambiaThis effect of brain damage becomes obvious asThe child reaches the age requirement ofstanding and walking on his or her own. Thiscondition is called erebral palsy. This can occurduring pregnancy (about 75%), during childbirth(about 5%) or after birth (about 15%) up to theage of about 3 years.

Challenges faced by Victims Cerebral palsy in ZambiaAs a result of the brain damage caused, childrenwith Cerebral palsy are usually not able to walk,talk, eat or play like other children. They usuallyneed constant help, attention and support.Others may also have cognitive problems, sothat their mental capacity does not develop.

Challenges faced by Victims cont;Cerebral palsy in ZambiaIn addition to physical challenges, thereRemains in Zambia considerable stigmaattached to this condition due to ignoranceabout the causes of this condition. Thereare still people who believe that it iscaused by witchcraft or a malevolent spirit which inhabits the child’s body.

Challenges faced by Victims cont;The combination of increasing numbers of

affected children, affected orphaned children, decreasing numbers of caregivers and weakened extended families, together with poverty, means that both affected children and cerebral palsy orphans are more likely to fall through traditional safety nets.

Challenges faced by Victims cont;The loss of parents effectively removes theprimary social structure protecting thechildren and adolescents, resulting inincreased vulnerability to key threats

Challenges faced by Victims cont;Major threats faced by these children

include lost educational opportunities, lack of social and emotional support for healthy psychological and social development, increased stigma, lack of adequate food, and lack of representation in the larger community to advocate for needs.

PROPOSED SOLUTION“Improved livelihoods, potential andaccess to basic needs of 350 CP affectedchildren in the targeted communitiesthrough training and various support”

MYCEPA PLANNED PROJECTThe project will support CP affectedchildren and CP orphans and their families

through:• Establishment and equipping a National

Rehabilitation centre.• Establishment of high quality and

specialized services to CP children in the centre.

MYCEPA PLANNED PROJECT CONT;• Awareness community meetings

concerning the causes of CP and the need for acceptance of affected children into society.

• Advocacy for improved access to basic needs of CP affected children

• Training of mothers and guardians of affected children in handling and caring CP affected children.

MYCEPA PLANNED PROJECT CONT;• Encouraging women having CP affected

children to engage in various income generating activities.

• Provision of specialist equipment like wheelchairs, braces & calipers to affected children.

• Provide a training ground for professionals to acquire additional skills required to work with CP children and their parents.

MYCEPA STAFF IN THE FIELD

MYCEPA STAFF IN THE FIELD

MYCEPA STAFF IN THE FIELD

MYCEPA STAFF IN THE FIELD

Thank you