Support your wives when they give birth to children affected by Cerebral Palsy – Men advised

Nana Asare Ankamah, the Adwarease Gyaasehe of the Dormaa Traditional Council, who also serves as the Centre Father of the “Cosmos Centre For Children With Special Needs” and the Bono Regional Secretary of *Inclusion Ghana*, has urged men to provide unwavering love and support to their wives when they give birth to children affected by cerebral palsy due to health and other conditions that may arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

In an exclusive interview with Newsmen during a New Year dinner organized for children with cerebral palsy at the Center, Nana Asare Ankamah remarked that many men abandon their wives and newborns upon detecting signs of cerebral palsy or similar conditions in the infants. He vehemently condemned this behavior, emphasizing that the women (mothers) are left to bear the burden alone in raising these physically challenged children.

He therefore implored men to refrain from such actions and provide unwavering support to their wives in enhancing their ability to care for children afflicted with cerebral palsy.

During the dinner, Mrs. Celestina Afriyie Boampong, a Physician Assistant at Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital and a nurse at the Cosmos Centre for Children with Special Needs, revealed several factors that can lead to cerebral palsy in infants, noting that it can occur during pregnancy and the delivery process. She further explained that some newborns are detected with a yellowish hue and reduced weight after birth, which, if not properly addressed, could also lead to cerebral palsy hence it is crucial for expectant mothers to attend antenatal appointments and continue with postnatal visits after delivery to ensure the robust health and well-being of their newborns.

She advised nursing mothers to refrain from resorting to concoctions and other herbal remedies for home treatment of their newborns when they detect any signs of illness. Instead, they should promptly take them to the hospital for a thorough medical examination.

Finally, parents whose children attend the Cosmos Centre for Children with Special Needs have conveyed their gratitude to the Centre Father, residents of Dormaa Ahenkro, and the entire staff for their unwavering support and dedication to nurturing the children.

Story By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa (GIFTs FM -Dormaa Ahenkro)