Thursday, 31 May 2012 00:00

Written by STALEY CHIBUIHEM AMALAHA

Terminal disease children are children that have no expectation of cure from their diseases or illnesses. However with the succour from Hope Alive, Foundation, a Non-governmental organisation situated at 33 Apena Street, Surulere, Lagos, terminal disease children will no have a new hope for living. Science Reporter STALEY CHIBUIHEM AMALAHA, who was with Mrs Adaugo Nwalema, the foundation director, reports.

According to UNICEF definition, a child is simply that person under the age of 18. Children contribute immensely to our society and have been described as the leaders of tomorrow. Recent survey shows that much of these children especially from Africa, suffered different terminal diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Luekemia just to mention but a few. according to UNICEF report, the body is working tirelessly to reduce child mortality to 31 of every 1000 by the year 2015 under the millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

 It is with this goal and Nwalema’s love and passion for humanity in particular, and children at large, that made to Hope Alive Child Care Foundation- a non governmental organisation to give succour to terminal disease children that have no expectation of cure for their diseases or illnesses. However, they require much care and comfort, because with succour given to them, there is great expectation of hope for them to live she said. The woman of excellence with her master’s degree from the University of Lagos further said: It is my love and passion for children and the divine call, that led me to establish Hope Alive Foundation for children care. I have the sensational urge for children. I personally gave birth to eight. Some of the aims and objectives for the foundation are :
 •Reduction of child mortality
 •To care for terminally sick children
 •To offer counselling to families with children that have terminal diseases or disabilities to support and provide financial assistance to children in crises due to terminal illness or life crises.
 •To provide support services, recreational and music therapy programme for parents and children with low self esteem and life crises as a result of illness.
 •To recognise and care for the parents and siblings of children affected with terminal illness that have developed trauma, emotional and psychological disorder.
 • Sensitise, promote and improve the quality of life for children and parents who are at risk due to illness.