The Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the absence of dedicated rehabilitation centres for spinal cord injury survivors in the country, warning that the gap in healthcare services is worsening deaths, depression and long-term disability among victims.
The association said despite the rising cases of spinal cord injuries caused by road crashes, insecurity, violence and other physical trauma, Nigeria still lacks a comprehensive national rehabilitation policy and adequate facilities to support survivors.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday at the SCIAN Development Centre in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, the Interim National President of the association, Abdulwahab Matepo, described rehabilitation as a critical but neglected component of healthcare delivery in the country.
Matepo explained that rehabilitation for spinal cord injury survivors goes beyond medical treatment, noting that it involves structured physical, occupational, vocational and mental health support aimed at restoring independence and improving quality of life.
According to him, while rehabilitation centres exist for drug addiction and stroke management, there are no dedicated facilities for persons living with spinal cord injuries in the country.
