Preventing and managing spina bifida

Africa Science Focus

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the proper formation of the spine. It can lead to complications that can cause both physical and intellectual disabilities, and even death.

In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter, Ijeoma Ukazu, talks to Lawrencia Dyawei, mother of a child with spina bifida about the challenges she and her child face.

Ifeanyi Nsofor, a global health equity advocate, explains spina bifida.

Festus Fajemilo, co-founder and executive director of Nigeria-based Festus Fajemilo Foundation, which supports people with spina bifida, speaks about caring for people with the condition, and Joyce Mwatonoka, a paediatrician at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, Tanzania, talks to us about preventive measures.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.

Do you have any comments, questions or feedback about our podcast episodes? Let us know at [e-mail]