By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA), and the Royal School of Education Therapy Foundation, at the weekend reiterated that persons with special needs must be included in healthcare planning, as stakeholders warned that gaps in access and awareness continue to put vulnerable families at risk.

This agreement was reached during the second edition of the Free Family Health Fair, organised by the Foundation in collaboration with the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, which focused on children with developmental disabilities, maternal health, and preventive care.

Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Badewa Adejube Williams, said the fair aimed to confront dangerous health myths and ensure parents understood critical developmental milestones for children with special needs.

She revealed that, in the FCT alone, over 250,000 children with developmental disabilities had been identified, though many more likely remain undocumented, especially in rural areas.

“When you look at a child, you have to look at the child holistically. What was the birthing process like? Was the mother even getting prenatal care? Most parents don’t keep record of such things.

“There are essential markers that will be an indicator that a child has a developmental disorder, and if you find that early enough and begin intervention early enough, there is a better chance for the child to improve,” she said.

On her part the Acting Director of the FCTA Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Salma Belgore, warned that persons with special needs must be deliberately prioritised under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF.

Belgore who was represented by the acting Head of Equity and Special Programmes, Vershima Igyundu, said sidelining this group has long-term consequences for families and the health system.

“Persons with special needs represent one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities, often experiencing significant barriers in accessing timely, affordable, and quality healthcare. As we continue strengthening the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Program, it is critical that their enrollment remains a top priority.

“A health system is only as strong as its ability to reach those who are most at risk of being left behind. By deliberately enrolling persons with special needs, we demonstrate our commitment to equity, fairness, and the principle that every life, regardless of ability, deserves protection.”

Meanwhile, Osayande Osagie of the FCT Hospital Management Board highlighted the dangers of misinformation and secrecy during pregnancy, particularly around procedures such as caesarean sections, which he said save countless lives.

“We also want to find out about your social history. Your age, your job, drug history, medical history, alcohol usage among other things. After that we want to do a general examination, take your height, weight, so we can calculate your BMI, body mass index, among other examinations so we can identify those at risk of diabetes or blood pressure. We want to have an idea if the pregnant woman has enough blood,” he explained.

Hundreds of residents were screened for diabetes, hypertension, BMI, and other risk factors at the fair. Organisers stressed that the fair is part of an ongoing effort to spark essential conversations about disability inclusion, preventive care, and access to health services across the FCT.