By Kemi Akintokun
Dr Ayomide Akintan-Adejuwon, the Founder of Scoliosis Focus Foundation, has urged parents and caregivers to prioritise early detection of scoliosis and protect affected children from stigma.
Akintan-Adejuwon made the call on Friday in Lagos during the commemoration of 2026 World Scoliosis Day organised by the foundation in collaboration with Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos.
Some students at the Scoliosis Focus Foundation programme organised to mark the 2026 World Scoliosis Day in Lagos
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Scoliosis Day, celebrated globally each June, raises awareness on early detection and treatment of the spinal condition.
She described scoliosis as a deformity in which the spine curved sideways into an “S” or “C” shape, commonly developing during childhood and adolescence, although some cases were congenital.
According to her, many children with scoliosis are unaware that they have the condition because it is usually painless in its early stages.
The founder said the organisation was established about 14 years ago to create awareness, provide support and offer hope to individuals and families affected by scoliosis.
Akintan-Adejuwon recalled that her parents initially thought she simply had an unusual walking pattern until a retired healthcare professional identified the condition and referred her to specialists.
“I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12 years old and today, I continue to live productively.
“I constantly share my story because I believe God preserved my life to inspire hope and impact the lives of others facing similar challenges.
“One of our major messages today is that early detection is critical. If scoliosis is detected early, braces can help prevent further progression.
“This is why awareness is critical. Parents, guardians, teachers, grandparents and caregivers are usually the first people who can notice the early warning signs,” she said.
Akintan-Adejuwon, a Medical Officer 2 at Gbagada, explained that scoliosis occurred more frequently in females than males, noting that stigma remained one of the greatest challenges faced by people living with the condition.
According to her, severe scoliosis can lead to restrictive lung disease by compressing the rib cage and limiting normal lung expansion.
She explained that severe spinal curvature, usually above 40 degrees, often required corrective surgery because braces only prevented further worsening and didn’t completely straighten the spine.
“A lot of children living with scoliosis are being stigmatised because some of the children or teachers are not aware of the condition.
“No child living with scoliosis should be bullied or discriminated against.
“The child you laugh at today could become your doctor, professor, engineer or national leader tomorrow.
“Recently, a young patient abandoned her brace because her classmates mocked her, this shows that a lot of Nigerians are not aware of it,” she said.
She said the foundation would continue to collaborate with specialists, researchers and the Scoliosis Research Society to expand awareness, improve research and introduce routine school screening programmes.
“Our vision is to introduce routine scoliosis screening into schools so that children can be diagnosed before severe complications develop,” she said.
Earlier, the Medical Director of General Hospital, Gbagada, Dr Oseni Olugbenga, described education as the foundation of effective scoliosis management.
“The most important aspect of scoliosis management is education. When people understand the condition, they are more likely to recognise it early and seek appropriate medical attention,” he said.
Olugbenga commended the foundation for providing education, counselling and support for patients, urging Nigerians to reject discrimination and support people living with scoliosis.
“We should be a support to those living with scoliosis rather than becoming another source of stress through discrimination or stigma,” he said.
Speaking in the same view, Dr Oluwole Adesanya, Centenary Chairman of Medical Guild in Lagos, advised parents to seek professional healthcare whenever they notice abnormalities in a child’s posture.
Adesanya commended the foundation for leading the narrative on scoliosis through its programme, while urging the government to do more of management and care for scoliosis patients in the country.
Also, Pastor Rotimi Alade-Thomas, the National Vice-Chairman of Prison and Hospital Ministry of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, urged Nigerians to stop attributing scoliosis to spiritual attacks.
Alade-Thomas urged parents to always observe their children and seek medical attention when necessary.
He said the ministry would continue to support the foundation in its effort to raise awareness and care for persons living with the condition.
NAN reports that the programme started with an awareness walk and health talk.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu