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A Non-Governmental Organisation, Chen Education and Development Empowerment (CEDE), has launched an initiative to assist 3,000 Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) with prosthetics, training and rehabilitation.
The CEDE initiative aims to impact on the lives of 3,000 PLWDs across 3 States, including the FCT, Nassarawa and Kogi States, respectively.
According to Cynthia Anaele, Executive Director, CEDE, the organization is focused on humanitarian intervention, community development assistance, and digital transformation support.
Anaele spoke with journalists at its inaugural event at the Nisa Garki Hospital in Abuja, which began on Monday, with the theme “Transforming Lives with Prosthetics”.
Anaele said, “Before now, we had planned reaching out to the disadvantaged who can’t afford prosthetics, not just wheelchairs and crutches, because we notice over time when you provide wheelchairs, some of them sell theirs off, so it is reaching out to PWDs who have maybe one knee or the hand cut off. Some are cut above the knee and some below, then some at their elbow or below the elbow.
“The empowerment program is in partnership with organizations willing to support the cause. CEDE has received grants from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and support from NISA Garki Hospital, Abuja with the aim to provide prosthetics to disadvantaged individuals who cannot afford them.
“The screening process, which will run for a month or two, involves medical tests to check for blood sugar levels and assess the condition of the affected limb. The organization will then provide prosthetics and training to help the individuals adjust and move around comfortably. The rehabilitation process will also include post-care support for one year.”
She noted that CEDE’s initiative was expected to make a significant impact on the lives of PWDs.
Anaele added that the organisation is however open to partnering with other groups and individuals to achieve its goal of providing prosthetics to at least 3,000 disabled people in the targeted States.
While acknowledging their partnership with FIRS and NISA Garki Hospital, she noted that CEDE received funding from FIRS and medical support from NISA Garki Hospital.
“CEDE is calling out for supporters and is open to receiving human, financial, and medical support from individuals, private organizations, and public organizations”, she added.
“The program’s success will be a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities”, she added.
