THE PLIGHT OF THE CHILDREN & FAMILIES WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN AFRICA

“The Plight of the People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Africa, especially those born into poverty, are confronted with discrimination at the very start of their lives. Common in rural areas of Africa, people believe that having a disability is a misfortune, a result of a curse or witchcraft” - The Herald

THE number of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) including children in Nigeria like many other countries in Africa is unknown since many of them are locked away and hidden from any government services.

It is unknown how many have been abandoned, often in restricted facilities, or violated of their basic human rights and left to die in isolation, malnutrition, or inadequate care. People with IDD, especially those born into poverty, are confronted with discrimination at the very start of their lives. Common in rural areas of Africa, people believe that having IDD is a misfortune, a result of a curse or witchcraft. Many families cannot afford or access medical and relevant care services. Youth and children with IDD are sometimes considered a burden and an expense to families. Fathers, who are the breadwinners, may abandon the family so as not to be associated with a child with IDD.

The negative image of African people with IDD has its roots deep in African cultures. The negative attitudes, stereotypes, and labels associated with IDD can be situated in the African traditions that disability is a blemish. Whenever it’s convenient, there is a tendency to justify discrimination and other forms of oppression using African tradition and culture.