Stakeholders are calling for stronger action to prevent spinal cord injuries and support survivors

…We demand better rehabilitation, emergency response, accessible healthcare, economic opportunity

Daud Olatunji

Stakeholders in the disability sector have called for urgent action to prevent spinal cord injuries and improve access to healthcare, rehabilitation, employment and social support for survivors.

They made the appeal on Saturday at the commemoration of the 2026 International Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day held at the JONAPWD House, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The programme, themed “From Awareness to Action: A Decade of Progress and the Journey Ahead”, brought together spinal cord injury survivors, people with disabilities, healthcare workers, government representatives, healthcare workers, traditional leaders, advocates and other stakeholders.

Stakeholders stated that raising awareness about spinal cord injuries would have minimal impact if it did not translate into concrete measures that could prevent injuries and improve the quality of life of survivors.

A representative of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development urged persons with disabilities to continue to advocate for their rights and demand greater inclusion in society.

He said people living with spinal cord injuries should not be treated with pity but recognized as citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society when given the necessary support and opportunities.

The representative assured the disability community of the government’s commitment to addressing issues affecting persons with disabilities, urging them to continue to engage the relevant authorities.

Furthermore, the NSCDC Head of Persons with Disabilities highlighted the need for stronger preventive measures, particularly in the areas of road safety, accident prevention and emergency response.

The officer said progress made in raising awareness over the past decade must now be matched by practical interventions to reduce spinal cord injuries and improve the lives of those already affected.

The speaker identified adequate first aid, adequate management of trauma victims, effective rehabilitation programmes, accessible facilities and social inclusion as critical areas requiring greater attention.

The officer also praised survivors, caregivers, caregivers, advocates and disability organizations for their resilience and continued efforts to promote awareness.

Physical and psychological challenges

A medical presentation by Dr Olanriwadu Shotei Ndeye, titled “Navigating Spinal Cord Injury: Responses, Resilience and Way Forward”, highlighted the complex consequences of spinal cord injuries.

Ndeye explained that spinal cord injuries could result from trauma, disease or degeneration and can lead to temporary or permanent changes in movement, sensation and other bodily functions.

The doctor identified road accidents, motorcycle and car accidents, falls, gunshot wounds and stab wounds among the causes of spinal cord injuries.

Beyond the physical consequences, the presentation drew attention to the psychological and social difficulties survivors may face.

These, according to the speaker, include anxiety, depression, frustration, rejection, abandonment, loss of confidence, difficulty sleeping, desperation and uncertainty about the future.

Ndeye therefore stressed that treatment should go beyond medical intervention to include psychological support, rehabilitation, family assistance, social integration and economic empowerment opportunities.

Survivors who spoke at the event recounted the challenges of accessing healthcare, mobility, employment, finances and social support after suffering spinal cord injuries.

Their testimonies, however, also highlighted resilience and determination to rebuild their lives despite the difficulties associated with their conditions.

Survivors highlighted the importance of creating an environment where people living with spinal cord injuries can access adequate healthcare, mobility support, education, employment and other opportunities without discrimination.

The event highlighted that suffering a spinal cord injury should not automatically deprive an individual of the opportunity to contribute to society.

Participants called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, disability organizations, families, healthcare workers, private organizations and communities.

They called for better rehabilitation services, accessible healthcare facilities, better emergency response systems, stronger road safety measures and disability-friendly public infrastructure.

They also called for greater economic opportunities and social inclusion for people living with spinal cord injuries.

Stakeholders praised the role of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in bringing together various disability groups and providing a platform for advocacy on issues affecting persons with disabilities.

The program concluded with a renewed call for stakeholders to go beyond awareness campaigns and implement practical measures that can prevent spinal cord injuries and support survivors.

The central message of the commemoration was that awareness can start the conversation, but sustained action is needed to create meaningful change.

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