A Machakos based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has revealed that myths and misconceptions on Cerebral Palsy still remains a major challenge in addressing the condition in the region.
Doors of Hope NGO programs director Jacqueline Shibalira said some parents hide their children living with the condition for fear of victimization.
"Some parents are still hiding their kids with the condition at home, others believe it's a curse or punishment from God," Shibalira said.
Shibalira said the NGO has established a Cerebral Palsy Centre that trains children living with the condition on life skills to enable them to be independent and self-reliable when they become of age.
She said some of the services offered at the centre include education, nutrition, feeding, and speech therapies.
Shibalira said the centre has reduced the burden to parents with such children of staying with them throughout, whole day and night thereby making it impossible to engage in other economic activities so as to fend for themselves and their larger families.
She, however, said it is difficult to find caregivers to attend to the children at the centre due to myths and misconceptions on their conditions.
"We have been unable to find caregivers who will attend to the kids at the centre. Those who will love and train them, the ones we have now are parents who have their kids at the centre," Shibalira added.
She spoke after a 10-kilometer walk in Athi River town, Mavoko Sub-county held to sensitize the public on Cerebral Palsy and fundraise for a school bus and construction of a facility for the children.
Hundreds of those who participated in the walk thronged the busy Mombasa Road resulting in a 2-hour- traffic snarl up between Mlolongo and Kyumbi towns.
Athi River police led by traffic commander Moses Kimeli helped in controlling the traffic.
Several passengers and other road users joined the participants in the walk that was flagged off by Mlolongo assistant county commissioner David Mukung at Doors of Hope NGO offices located at the Nairobi - Namanga Road interchange.
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