Save- A -Life Initiative(SALI)
Surgery is the first among a wide range of other medical interventions that are needed by children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to improve their life chances and participate in family life and in their communities.
These surgical procedures are essential components of a comprehensive, lifelong management strategy for individuals with these conditions by addressing the underlying structural abnormalities, preventing complications, improving functionality and symptoms management, optimizing outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of affected individuals.
From August 2023 till date, Shine UK on behalf of Festus Fajemilo Foundation has been securing funding from Gay and Keith Talbot Trust UK aimed to provide early intervention and support indigent children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus to access prompt medical interventions towards their wellbeing and leading a full life.
As of December 2025, Festus Fajemilo Foundation has supported 59 children to undergo brain and spinal repair surgeries through the support of Shine UK and funded by Gay & Talbot Trust UK.
While Fifty-Two (52) of the surgeries have been successful we were only able to give seven (7) of them who passed away a chance.
A HUGE thanks to Gay & Keith Talbot Trust and our UK partner Shine UK for always interceding on our behalf.
CASE STORIES:
BABY SONIA:
Sonia is an 8-month-old girl, only child of a single mother, diagnosed of hydrocephalus during pregnancy. She was born in a private hospital through caesarean section in September 2024. Based on the prior knowledge of the medical condition before birth, Sonia was referred to LASUTH immediately after birth, but due to lack of bed space, she was not admitted until the first week in December 2024, where she underwent Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) procedure and was discharged and then scheduled for a follow-up appointment in March 2025.
Shortly after the surgical intervention, Mother noticed an increase in head circumference which made her return to LASUTH before her appointment date. At LASUTH she was told to wait till her appointment in March. Sonia’s head circumference kept increasing. During her appointment visit in March 2025, the doctor in-charge informed her of the need for a shunt revision (meaning another shunt to replace the old one). However, mother could not provide the financial requirement for the surgery and in the process, a medical staff in LASUTH linked with Festus Fajemilo Foundation. Sonia’s mum requested for help which the Foundation provided. The Foundation paid for 2 shunts (a medical device for diverting excess brain water), medications, theatre fee, baby food and consumables.
BABY BEZALEEL:
Bezaleel, a 5-month -old first child of his parents, was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 37 weeks of pregnancy at Ayinke House, a maternity section of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja where the mother was immediately referred to more specialist in the main teaching hospital where she delivered Bezaleel through a caesarean section in February 2025. At LASUTH several tests were conducted including MRI and a shunt insertion was recommended. A health worker (paediatrician) who has seen information about support for brain surgeries by Festus Fajemilo Foundation informed advised the mother to approach the Foundation having complained to the health worker of financial constraint.
The Foundation footed the medical bills including costs of laboratory investigations, Shunt, theatre and hospital admission. Surgery was successful and child discharged.
