THE GROWING THREAT OF RICKETS AMONG CHILDREN IN RURAL AREAS OF SOUTHERN KADUNA.... By Emmanuel Onotevure

"Over One million, five hundred cases of rickets are reported annually in Nigeria and this is a worrisome figure for a country with a large population groaning under intense poverty and challenges of poor leadership and bad governance.

The growing number of young children suffering from rickets in several communities in southern axis of Kaduna state is daily becoming an issue of concern to experts and stakeholders alike.

Recently, the eradication of rickets from several communities in the rural areas, which is now a common feature among little children and in some other instances, seen in adolescents, teenagers and even adults, is now receiving global attention especially from the USAID, UNICEF and other locally based Non Governmental Organizations.

According to experts, the softening and weakening of bones in children, usually, due to inadequate Vitamins especially Vitamin D which helps to promote the body’s absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus as, extreme or prolonged lack of Vitamin D makes it difficult to maintain proper Calcium and Phosphorus levels in bones which may cause rickets.

Findings have also revealed that over One million, five hundred cases of rickets are reported annually in Nigeria and this is a worrisome figure for a country with a large population groaning under intense poverty and challenges of poor leadership and bad governance.

However, with the huge involvement of medical experts and concerned groups such as NGO’s; both locally and international, respite seems to be on its way as several children in the rural communities of Kaduna state, have received medical sponsorship for surgeries, free of charge.

This intervention by donor agencies through consistent supply of free quality drugs and medicines such as inclusion of Vitamin D or Calcium into the dietary and food and surgery, is a huge step towards tackling and finding solutions.

While many have not truly come to terms with the emerging challenges of rickets among children, others may view this, especially from the unenlightened, as a form of witchcraft common with the locals.

The discovery of treatment for rickets is a morale booster to parents of persons suffering from the disease. 

The ability of patients after surgery, abiding with the medical directives has helped many to overcome the problems of weak bones in their systems eliminates the return of the weaknesses of the bone.

One worrisome aspect is the inability of government; at all three tiers, to adopt a standard and sustainable health policy for the citizenry.

The case of Nigeria is so pathetic and faulty as government has consistently, failed to approach this challenge with the seriousness it deserves. Why this has been so, remains rather, confusing in spite of the huge potentials therein, of a healthy and vibrant society that invariably, places the people on a strong pedestal to economic and developmental growth present in the Nigerian state.

With the return of Nigeria to democratic rule in 1999, some had posited that country would witness a huge leap into the prosperity for the people and country. Sadly, the reverse has become the situation as not only have the leadership entrusted with this advancement failed, they have further retrogressed the country by placing cronyism, corrupt tendencies and less qualified persons to head positions over more qualified and competent hands thereby, leaving out merit and quality.

What is the solution to addressing this, many will easily want to enquire? The solution is more simpler than thought; involvement of the right persons to handle the health departments with the right injection of needed funding, purchase of quality medicines, qualified personnel and again, meeting up with global set standards and practices for the promotion of quality health and living for the people. Is this doable, the answer is a loud and resounding yes but greed and corruption has remained the bane.Is it possible to reduce corruption and greed to the barest minimum? Again, the answer is yes.

Eradication of greed and corruption from the society can be actualized through recognition, and commendation, regular and period training and retraining opportunities to deserving personnel. This is non-contestable. Community heads, elected and appointed officials of government and every other participant desirous of a safe and healthy country must join hands so that, collectively, the presence of rickets among the populace, especially, young children is eradicated