CHILDREN with Cerebral Palsy should not be hidden and their needs should be addressed either through the provision of quality healthcare and assistive devices as their needs are very diverse and unique, says Chairperson of Mo-Rate Cerebral Palsy of Lesotho Itumeleng Mohasi.

“As an association, we urge the government and different stakeholders to consider children with cerebral palsy in decision-making, especially in addressing some of the challenges facing them and their parents,” she said.

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscles control and movement. It is the main cause of physical disability in childhood. Changes in muscle tone and movement are the main characteristics, impairing functionality, hindering independence, and interfering with the affected person’s quality of life.

With highest prevalence levels in low and middle-income countries, National Cerebral Palsy Day gives an opportunity to raise awareness of this motor disability with stakeholders and explore environmental barriers which reduce participation for children with Cerebral Palsy and their families in Lesotho.

Mo-Rate Cerebral Palsy Association of Lesotho was established to raise awareness of the existence of children with the medical condition in the country.

As per Mo-Rate Cerebral Palsy Association of Lesotho Database per gender, the number of girls with Cerebral Palsy is estimated at 77 while the number of boys is 57 with Leribe having the highest number of boys at 29.

However, Ms Mohasi said the statistics were a tip of an iceberg as many children in different communities in all the 10 districts of Lesotho were not part of the database.

“Hence, it is important to collectively work together with the government and different stakeholders to engage in such activities that spark collaborative efforts,” she said.

“There is still the need for data collection so that there can be more facts and statistics that substantiate the status of children with Cerebral Palsy in Lesotho.”