Rotary Club fights for cerebral palsy and mental health

The Rotary Club of Accra, Teshie-Nungua, is championing an initiative to spotlight cerebral palsy and mental health disorders—two health concerns that often go unnoticed but significantly affect lives.

Through its ambitious project, “ƆkamafƆ,” the club is advocating for the inclusion of treatments for these conditions under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder impacting movement, muscle tone, and posture in infants, affects one in every 300 live births in Ghana—higher than the global rate of one in every 500.

Coupled with this, mental health conditions are disproportionately prevalent among individuals with cerebral palsy.

According to the 2022 Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN) report, 46% of children with the disorder reported experiencing anxiety or depression, a stark reminder of the intersection between physical and mental health challenges.

At an annual awareness event, William Ofori, district rotary public image chairman, expressed frustration over the decades-long delay in approving Ghana’s Mental Health Policy, which was first drafted in 2004.

He stated that it was deeply concerning that after 20 years, the country is still waiting for the policy’s approval, calling for urgent action to address mental health issues comprehensively.

The president of the Teshie-Nungua Rotary Club, Kwabena Nketia, also emphasised the need to tackle stigma surrounding mental health.

Nketia highlighted the immense burden cerebral palsy places on families, urging collective action to improve the lives of those affected.

The ƆkamafƆ project, launched in October 2023, seeks to champion the fundamental human rights of people with cerebral palsy and mental health disorders.

Its objectives align with the United Nations’ Universal Health Coverage goals and Sustainable Development Goal Three, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

The Rotary Club of Accra, Teshie-Nungua, has long been a pillar of community support, leading initiatives that promote health, education, and economic opportunities.

Through ƆkamafƆ, the club aims to foster a society where no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare and support.

The campaign emphasises the urgent need for stakeholders, policymakers, and society at large to step up and create a more inclusive healthcare system—one that addresses the unique challenges posed by cerebral palsy and mental health conditions.