Opening Doors
to Healing
& Survival.
FFF provides surgery sponsorship for children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, giving them access to life-saving procedures they couldn't otherwise afford — subject to funding availability.
Life-Changing Surgery
Giving children the procedures they deserve
Sponsored
Surgery Opens the Door to a Better Life.
Surgery is a critical gateway. For children living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, it opens access to the full range of services they need — not just to survive, but to participate meaningfully in society.
With support from local and international donors, FFF sponsors surgeries for indigent patients who cannot afford these life-saving procedures on their own. This programme is central to our mission of ensuring no child is left behind due to financial barriers.
Types of Medical Assistance
Hydrocephalus Shunt Surgery
Sponsorship for VP shunt procedures and related interventions for children diagnosed with Hydrocephalus — a critical surgery that relieves dangerous pressure on the brain.
Learn more →
Spina Bifida Closure
Surgical closure of the exposed spinal cord shortly after birth — a time-critical procedure to minimise long-term neurological damage.
Find out more →
Hospital Referrals
We connect families with specialist hospitals and neurosurgeons across Nigeria who can perform the required procedures.
Find out more →
Continence Management
Ongoing support and education for managing bladder and bowel function following surgery.
Learn more →
Child Empowerment
After surgery, children are supported through therapy, education, and inclusion programmes to thrive fully.
Learn more →
Counselling & Referrals
Families receive psychosocial support and guidance to navigate treatment pathways with confidence.
Learn more →How Medical Support
Works
Family Referral
Families with children diagnosed with Spina Bifida or Hydrocephalus contact FFF directly or are referred by hospitals, community health workers, or partner organisations.
Assessment & Screening
Our team assesses each applicant for medical eligibility and financial indigency. Priority is given to children from low-income backgrounds who cannot self-fund surgery.
Hospital Placement
Eligible children are placed with partner neurosurgeons and hospitals equipped to perform the required procedure, with FFF coordinating and sponsoring the costs.
Surgery & Recovery
The procedure is carried out at the partner facility. FFF monitors progress and ensures the family receives appropriate post-operative care guidance and follow-up.
Ongoing Support
Post-surgery, children are enrolled in FFF's continuum of care — including continence management, physiotherapy referrals, and community inclusion programmes.
Subject to Funding
All sponsorships are subject to donor funding availability. We encourage individuals, corporates, and institutions to support this programme and expand its reach.
Eligibility Criteria
Medical support is targeted at children and families who need it most. Below are the key criteria we consider when assessing applications for surgery sponsorship.
Diagnosis of SBH
The child must have a confirmed diagnosis of Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, or a related neural tube defect requiring surgical intervention.
Financial Indigency
Priority is given to families who demonstrably cannot afford the cost of surgery from personal resources — including low-income and vulnerable households.
Medical Urgency
Cases with time-sensitive surgical needs — such as newborns requiring immediate spinal closure — are assessed with the highest priority.
Based in Nigeria
The programme currently serves children residing in Nigeria, with particular focus on underserved states and communities with limited healthcare access.
Apply for Medical Support
Reach out to us directly to begin the assessment process. Our team will guide your family every step of the way.
Surgery sponsorship is available subject to funding availability. We strongly encourage early application and maintain a register of eligible children awaiting support when funding becomes available.
To apply or make a referral, contact the FFF office with medical documentation and a brief description of the family's financial circumstances.
Lagos Office: View contact details →
Contact Us to Apply → Donate to Fund a SurgeryYour Gift Can Save a Life.
Every surgery we sponsor is made possible by the generosity of donors like you. A contribution to this programme gives a child with Spina Bifida or Hydrocephalus the chance to survive, grow, and belong.
- 100% of donations go directly to programmes
- Registered non-profit: CAC/IT/No. 24051
- Local & international donors welcome
- Transparent reporting and annual accounts
Families We've Helped
"When our son was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, we had no idea how we would afford the surgery. FFF stepped in and made it possible. Today he is in school and thriving. We are forever grateful."
"Our daughter had an open spinal defect from birth. We didn't know what to do. FFF connected us with a specialist hospital and covered the cost of her surgery. She is recovering beautifully."
"As a referring doctor, I have seen FFF transform outcomes for patients who had no financial options. Their medical support programme is a critical lifeline for SBH children in Nigeria."
Trusted Partners & Members
