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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Stanbic IBTC and Ifeanhealth have collaborated to provide prosthetic limbs for children with limbs loss.
The bank, through its CSIinitiative,”Together4ALimb,” embarked on it nine years ago. This, have brought succour to 100 children living without limbs through this scheme.
“Together4ALimb focuses on transforming the lives of children with limb losses from congenital issues or birth defects, accidents or mismanaged injuries. Such children are given prosthetic limbs and an educational trust fund.
The bank’s Head, Brand and Marketing, Bridget Oyelami said: “Although, the initiative is health-related, it has an education package as well.
This affords the recipients a level playing field to compete in life. An important aspect of the signature CSI is the charity walkathon, organised yearly to raise awareness of the plight and, hopefully, stir up deliberate actions by government, policymakers, and the general public to address the problem.”
Oyelami said the bank focuses on three areas to help the communities; health, education and economic empowerment.
Oyelami identified the Together4ALimb initiative as a key event organised by the bank to meet the need of this kids. The initiative draws the attention, plight and challenges faced by children living without limbs:
“The initiative started in 2015 where 10 children benefitted each year from the scheme. But this year, 45 of them, got the prosthetic limbs. The organisation raised the number of beneficiaries to 45, the highest since the inception of the programme nine years ago.
“Also, each beneficiary was equally awarded a scholarship worth N1.5 million to enable them further their education with ease that educational trust fund.”
CEO, IfeanHealth, Ejike Anih, said: “Loss of a limb produces a permanent disability that impacts a person’s self-image, care and mobility, which ultimately affects their quality of life.
“W were able to identify with kids nationwide some kids from low-income families that could not afford the cash naturally and we provided the prosthesis limbs with the help of the bank. They will equally get it replaced if there are uncertainties, especially when they play or otherwise.
“We would ensure they are taken care of once there is an issue with the prosthetic limbs. Since 2015, the Together4ALimb scheme has provided prosthetics for 100 beneficiaries. As all recipients under the scheme will have their prosthetic limbs replaced annually until they are 18.”
Vice Consul German Consulate, Viola Van Loock, said: “The goal of rehabilitation is to help the individual return to the highest level of function and independence, while improving their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.”
She lauded team for this initiative to promote the rehabilitation of those who lost their limbs, by providing them with one of the most effective methods, prosthetics: “Bringing them much closer to living a normal life.”
