KAMPALA- Spina bifida and Hydropheleous Association of Uganda (SHAU) working with other partners have organized a medical camp at Mulago National Referral hospital as one of the measures of raising awareness among Ugandans.
“We have already started creating awareness in areas of Bwaise, Kalerwe and neighboring areas ahead of our health camp scheduled to be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 (International Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day). I urge people to come very early because we are going to have free medical and consultation services.” Remarked Nabikolo Winfred , the Patient laison officer in SHAU while addressing the press on Thursday at Kalerwe market.
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Nabikolo called upon Ugandans not to abandon children with Spinabifida and Hydropheleous because once detected at an early stage can be managed or treated.
“The government should at least reduce on taxes imposed on essential items required by people suffering from Spinabifida condition like pampers. Recently Parliament increased taxes on pampers which affected many young people to the extent of dropping out of schools because they couldn’t manage to continue being in public without diapers.”
Naddonge Franusu , one of the young people suffering from Hydrocephalus decried the high rate of stigmatization among members of the general public which has led them into uncomfortable life.
“Many boda boda riders don’t want to give us a ride on their bikes because they refer to us as outcasts…and the few who are willing charge us exorbitantly.They may ask you to pay 4000 shillings for the journey which is valued at 1000 shillings for other individuals.”
She therefore called upon parents with children suffering from the above complications, to turn up in large numbers with their children for free medical support and treatment.
Hydrocephalus condition is the buildup of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. While Spina bifida condition is a birth defect in which an area of the spinal column doesn’t form properly, leaving a section of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed through an opening in the back.
This situation can be avoided once the mother starts taking folic acid tablets a few days to the conception date.
