By Kabuye Ronald
Blessing is a vibrant and ambitious girl who has faced a unique challenge – she was born with Spina bifida and this condition affected her ability to control her bladder, causing incontinence. However, Blessing has remained determined to lead a fulfilling life.
Despite the challenges Blessing faced, her family and a few members of from her local community rallied together to support her. They sought out medical assistance and eventually learned about a method called clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to manage her incontinence. CIC involved using a sterile catheter to empty the bladder every five times a day, ensuring hygiene and minimizing the risks associated with urinary tract infections.
Blessing’s family understood the importance of hygiene, and they made sure to create a clean and comfortable environment for her. They acquired clean water to ensure the catheterization process was as safe as possible. Blessing’ s mother, Ruth, took it upon herself to look out for beautiful and flowerly pouches to carry clean catheters while Blessing was at school or attending social events within and outside her community.
However, living in a low-income country presented additional challenges. Medical supplies, including catheters, were not easily accessible or affordable for Blessing’s mother. With determination and resilience, her mother sought partnership with local organizations and charities that provided medical aid. This allowed Blessing to acquire the necessary catheters consistently and maintain her well-being. Thanks to Child help international.
Blessing’s mother comes from a community that has other mothers with children with a similar condition. They organised themselves into a support group and Understanding the importance of knowledge-sharing, they usually organize awareness camps and educational sessions to help others in similar situations. They educate families about the benefits of CIC, hygiene practices, and the importance of obtaining the necessary medical supplies.
Through these efforts, Blessing and her mother together with the support group empowered others facing similar challenges to manage their incontinence effectively. They encourage them to seek support from local organizations and emphasized the significance of sharing resources and knowledge within their community.
Blessing and her mother’s resourcefulness and determination has inspired others to take action. Through partnerships and collaborations, they have worked towards making medical supplies, including catheters, more accessible and affordable for those in need.
Blessing’s journey has not been without challenges, but she persevered with determination and the support of her loved ones. Her strength of character, along with the awareness she raises through music, short messages, have onotiated a postive change within and beyond her country Uganda.
In conclusion, Blessing’s story serves as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, with proper support, education, and access to medical resources, those living with Spina bifida and incontinence could lead fulfilling lives.
