At the You Matter Charity Foundation, we believe every child deserves love, care, and visibility. That is why, during our recent outreach in Ughelli, we appealed to parents—especially mothers—to stop hiding children with special needs. It is not their fault, and they deserve to be embraced with dignity and compassion.
On Thursday, November 27, we flagged off a free medical outreach for children with special needs and their caregivers, in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Our Founder, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, addressed women at the event, decrying the stigma surrounding autism and other developmental conditions, particularly in rural communities. She explained that misinformation has led many parents to conceal their children, denying them access to education, healthcare, and emotional support.
You Matter Charity Foundation Medical Outreach in Delta Central held in Ughelli.
“Autistic people are everyday people. They live among us, and they deserve to be treated with love and dignity,” Our Founder said. “Autism is not a spiritual problem or an illness seeking a cure; it is a condition that can be managed through understanding, compassion, and professional care.”
This outreach is part of our mission to raise awareness, end stigma, and encourage parents to seek help early. We urge women to be courageous, bring their children forward, and reject societal pressure or fear of judgment. Together, we can build a more inclusive society.
Medical experts also shared vital insights. Dr. Ifeoma Udeh, Consultant Paediatrician at Asaba Specialist Hospital, revealed that an estimated 50% of Nigerian children are micronutrient deficient, citing economic pressure, ignorance, and cultural misinformation as major drivers of malnutrition. She emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
Similarly, Dr. Bolum-Okolie Angela, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Asaba Specialist Hospital, echoed our Founder’s call for parents to stop hiding children with disabilities. She urged caregivers to prioritize access to education, healthcare, and emotional support, noting that early intervention greatly improves long-term outcomes.
During the outreach, medical professionals assessed the children, while we donated free medication, wheelchairs, and various assistive and educational devices to improve mobility, independence, and learning opportunities for beneficiaries.
At the You Matter Charity Foundation, we remain committed to advancing inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs across Delta State and beyond.
