Healthy Child Development Network (HCDN) came about with the aim to bridge the gap between quality service provision, and access to such services, for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those living in poverty.

There are increasing numbers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, whose parents though motivated, cannot afford, or access quality therapy and support services for their children. This is particularly a big issue in Nigeria and low/middle income countries.

Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and aligned to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), UNICEF is working to include children with disabilities in all facets of its programming. UNICEF has made considerable advancements advocating for and implementing inclusive programmes and services to ensure children with disabilities enjoy the same rights as their peers.

Nigeria is a signatory country to the United Nations convention on the right of the child. In Nigeria, disability services are provided mainly by the government, with several rehabilitation centres (some residential) available in major cities in the country. Services are also provided by non-governmental organizations, and private centres. Unfortunately, there is poor coordination of services, underfunding and poor access due to cost. According to the world poverty map, over 105 million people in Nigeria live in extreme poverty, and the numbers are increasing. Living in poverty profoundly impacts the full range of children’s rights, diminishing their life chances and ability to realize their potential. 

HCDN focuses on pooling together resources, both financial and human resources, to alleviate the impact of neurodevelopmental disability on individual children, their families and the community.

Individually, we can make a difference in the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, but, together, we can make a change to outcomes of neurodevelopmental disability in children.