A mother's mission to stop jaundice causing cerebral palsy in Nigeria

BBC - Jan 8th, 2025
Open on BBC

In Lagos, Nigeria, the Cerebral Palsy Centre provides essential care for children like Babatunde Fashola, known as Baba, who suffers from cerebral palsy due to neonatal jaundice. Despite Nigeria's high incidence of jaundice, effective treatment is often unavailable, causing severe neurological disorders. Baba, abandoned by his parents and now 22 years old, relies on the dedication of the Centre's founder, Nonye Nweke, and her staff for round-the-clock support. The facility, funded by donors, faces overwhelming demand, with a long waiting list and high care costs, highlighting the country's inadequate healthcare infrastructure for such disorders.

Cerebral palsy is a widespread yet under-addressed condition in Nigeria, exacerbated by cultural stigma and lack of resources. Many families face social isolation and financial burdens while caring for affected children. Initiatives like Project Oscar aim to improve early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal jaundice, seeking to prevent conditions like cerebral palsy. This project, supported by Toyin Saraki and backed by Reckitt, hopes to reach thousands of mothers and children, though the scale of the challenge remains significant in Nigeria, one of the world's most populous countries. The story underscores the urgent need for systemic healthcare improvements and increased awareness to combat such preventable disorders.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and empathetic look into the challenges faced by individuals with cerebral palsy in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the lack of medical facilities and societal stigma. It highlights individual stories, such as that of Ms. Nweke and her daughter, to bring a personal dimension to the narrative. The article is well-researched, with input from credible sources such as medical professionals and organizations involved in cerebral palsy care. However, it could benefit from a more balanced representation of perspectives on governmental roles and broader societal efforts beyond individual and charitable initiatives. The language is clear and descriptive, engaging the reader effectively, though some structural improvements could enhance the logical flow. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness but could offer a more comprehensive view by including additional perspectives and solutions.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article demonstrates a high level of factual accuracy, supported by specific data and quotes from credible sources. For instance, it accurately cites a medical professor from the University of Lagos, stating that 700,000 people in Nigeria have cerebral palsy. Additionally, Professor Chinyere Ezeaka’s comments about neonatal jaundice affecting over 60% of newborns provide a factual basis for the article's claims. The reference to the World Health Organization further strengthens its accuracy about Nigeria being among the top five countries with neurological disorders from untreated jaundice. However, the article could improve by providing more detailed statistics about the lack of facilities and resources, which are mentioned in a more general sense without specific data.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the perspectives of caregivers and medical professionals, offering valuable insights into the challenges they face. It highlights the efforts of individuals like Ms. Nweke and organizations such as the Oscar Project. However, it could be more balanced by including perspectives from government officials or policy makers to address systemic issues. The article does mention the government's limited response but could delve deeper into potential policy changes or government initiatives that might be underway. Additionally, it could benefit from including voices of families affected by cerebral palsy to provide a broader range of experiences and challenges faced across different socio-economic backgrounds.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-written, with descriptive language that effectively conveys the emotional and practical challenges faced by individuals with cerebral palsy in Nigeria. The use of personal stories, such as that of Ms. Nweke, adds a human element that engages readers. However, the structure could be improved for better logical flow. The narrative occasionally jumps between personal anecdotes and broader issues without clear transitions, which might confuse some readers. Additionally, while the tone is mostly neutral and professional, it could avoid occasional emotive language to maintain objectivity throughout. Despite these minor issues, the article succeeds in communicating complex issues in an accessible manner.

8
Source quality

The article draws on authoritative sources, such as medical professionals and the World Health Organization, which enhances its credibility. The quotes from Professor Chinyere Ezeaka and references to Project Oscar’s activities lend weight to the reporting. However, while the sources are credible, the article relies heavily on a few key voices and organizations. Expanding the range of sources, perhaps by including more diverse medical experts or additional non-profit organizations working in the field, could provide a more rounded view. Additionally, some claims lack direct citations, such as the statistic about neonatal jaundice affecting over 60% of newborns, which could benefit from more precise sourcing.

7
Transparency

The article provides good transparency regarding the motivations and affiliations of its key subjects, particularly Ms. Nweke. Her personal story adds depth and context, and the article clearly states that the Cerebral Palsy Centre is funded by donors. However, the article could improve transparency by discussing any potential biases of the organizations or individuals involved, such as the commercial interests of the consumer health firm backing Project Oscar. Additionally, while the article mentions the high cost of care, it could offer more transparency about how these costs are derived and what specific expenses are covered.