The Kaduna state government has commenced the distribution of 100 specialised paediatric wheelchairs to children living with mobility impairments across the state.
The initiative is being implemented under the Build-A-World of Play (BAWOP) programme in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
The distribution attracted senior government officials, health sector leaders and development partners, with CHAI formally handing over the wheelchairs to the state during the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, Rakiya A. Umar, described the intervention as a major step towards improving the quality of life of children with disabilities.
She explained that the wheelchairs are specially designed to provide postural support for children, with fitted headrests, backrests and positioning straps aimed at protecting developing bodies from long-term deformities.
According to her, each child undergoes an individual fitting session to ensure the device is properly adjusted, while parents and caregivers are also trained on safe handling and maintenance.
The programme is being driven by the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the State Primary Health Care Board in partnership with CHAI, with support from the LEGO Foundation.
The intervention, officials said, aligns with the state’s disability-inclusive policy framework, with emphasis on early identification, access to assistive technologies and play-based support systems to promote inclusion and child development.
Beyond the wheelchairs, other assistive devices have also been provided based on the specific needs of beneficiaries. These include crutches, back slabs, ankle boots, sitting and standing boxes, eyeglasses and guide canes.
Since the inception of the programme, more than 171,000 children have been screened for developmental delays across the state.
The assessments, conducted through Early Childhood Development (ECD) screenings in schools, primary healthcare centres and communities, cover visual, mobility, cognitive, communication and hearing challenges.
The Director of Special Programmes at SUBEB, Esther Jibji, said the support from CHAI had helped move the state from policy conversations to practical and measurable action.
She noted that the intervention had strengthened early identification efforts and ensured timely support for children with disabilities.
Also speaking, the focal person for the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Cecelia Marcus, said over 2,000 children had already been identified through state-led screening exercises.
She stressed the need for sustained government-led support to expand access to rehabilitation services and ensure early intervention for affected children.
“Sustained government-led support is needed to ensure early identification and expand access to rehabilitation services,” Marcus said.