Last Friday, CURE Zambia was teeming with men, women, and children for the annual parent’s conference of the Lusaka chapter of the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.  Organizers had estimated that approximately 180 parents and children would come to the hospital for the conference, but a whopping 242 people showed up, proving to everyone that the issues surrounding the care of children suffering from hydrocephalus and spina bifida are at the forefront of pediatric care in Zambia.

In attendance was the president of the Zambian chapter of the IFSBH, Mr. Lumbwe Chiwele; the deputy minister of education, Dr. Boniface Kawimbe; and Mrs. Holly Nelson, Executive Director of the Special Hope Network.  The Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation came to cover the event for the national news broadcast later that evening.

The event started off with devotion conducted by CURE Zambia spiritual centre director, Pastor Harold Haamumba.  CURE Zambia’s medical director, Dr. Giorgio Lastroni, and matron, Judy Obison, welcomed the attendees.  Following the intros, everyone was treated to a tour of the hospital and a short presentation by patients of the hospital.  The presentation consisted of 10 children suffering from hydrocephalus and spina bifida telling audience members what they wanted to be when they grow up and giving them an education on what it means to live with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.  It was truly touching.

Next, Mrs. Harriet Mushota, a special education teacher, president of the Lusaka IFSBH parent group and parent of a child suffering from spina bifida, gave a fiery speech targeting Zambia’s policies on inclusive education.  “The Ministry of Education needs to work harder at improving the infrastructure of schools,” said Mushota. “Children need wheelchair accessible structures in order to learn in comfort.”  She added, “We also need more teachers trained in special education so that children with special needs do not have to be shipped to specialty schools far away.”  These statements, made in front of the deputy minister of education, got a thunderous round of applause from parents and medical staff.

CURE Zambia’s very own neurosurgeon, Dr. Kachinga Sichizya, gave medical professionals a separate seminar on the treatment of hydrocephalus and spina bifida patients.  Dr. Lee, neurosurgeon at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital, supported Dr. Sichizya’s presentation.  Rev. and Mrs. Nelson, president and executive director of Special Hope Network, respectively, spoke to parents and professionals working to make healthcare and education more accessible to disabled, underprivileged children across Zambia.

The day ended with testimonials from parents and patients and a question and answer session.  “Overall, this conference was a great success,” said Lucy Nonda, IFSBH nurse at CURE Zambia.  “We got an overwhelmingly positive response, and we are looking forward to hosting this event again!”