Over 1000+ satisfied users
WHY WE EXIST
Spina bifida is a condition in which the spine does not develop properly before birth, while hydrocephalus causes fluid to build up around the brain. Both can bring lifelong challenges, but with the right treatment, care and support, children can grow, learn and pursue fulfilling lives.
Patients with Spina bifida and hydrocephalus face many challenges to their quality of life beyond the initial surgery. These include urine, stool incontinence and kidney problems. However with the right treatment, care and support, children born with it can grow, learn and pursue fulfilling lives.
Read Patience's Story
Our Story
Child Help SBH began in 2005 as the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Interdisciplinary Programme (SHIP), initially working with Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital in Blantyre.
In 2020, the programme moved to the Mercy James Paediatric Surgical Unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Today Child Help works with government central hospitals, the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), Beit Cure Children’s Hospital and other partners across Malawi to improve care and support for people living with SBH.
People with SBH Reached
People Returned to School
Children Supported With Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Families supported with house construction following Cyclone Freddy
Our Pillars
Our work is built around three key pillars that help people with SBH live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives.
We provide treatment, rehabilitation, incontinence management and follow-up care to improve health, dignity and independence.
We support education, inclusion, livelihoods and independence so people with SBH can participate and thrive.
We advocate for folic acid fortification, folic acid tablet supplementation amongst women who have given birth to a child with spina bifida, awareness and early intervention to help prevent neural tube defects and complications.
What we do
We help people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus get the healthcare, rehabilitation, support and opportunities they need to live fuller lives.
Helping people with SBH access essential treatment, surgery, medical supplies and follow-up care.
Providing physiotherapy, rehabilitation and continence support to improve health, dignity and independence.
Supporting people with SBH to access education, essential support and opportunities in their communities.
Strengthening healthcare systems, building knowledge and creating opportunities for people with SBH to thrive.
Promoting folic acid distribution, awareness and early support to reduce the risk and impact of SBH.
Explore the latest stories and updates from Child Help SBH
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