By Kabuye Ronald
The Rotary Club Kampala Muyenga Breeze, Rotaract Club Victoria University, and the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda (SHAU) joined forces on Friday to empower caregivers of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Katabi, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District. The initiative provided essential skills, equipment, and materials aimed at fostering economic independence among caregivers.
During the event, Sarah Nsibirwa Nsubuga, president of the Rotary Club Kampala Muyenga Breeze, delivered over 10 million Shillings worth of equipment to facilitate income-generating activities for the caregivers.
“Empowering caregivers economically is crucial for their self-sustainability and that of their children,” she stated. This initiative complements ongoing efforts by the Rotary Club to fund surgeries for affected children at Cure Hospital in Mbale.
The donated items will enable caregivers to produce various products, including soap, hand wash, shampoo, charcoal lighters, disinfectants, sweets, and cakes. The Rotarians also committed to helping find markets for these products, as well as providing food and diapers.
SHAU contributed by donating assistive devices, such as catheters, diapers, and gloves, which are vital for personal sanitation and the prevention of neural tube defects.
Joshua Opolot, president of Rotaract Club Victoria University, highlighted the importance of economic empowerment for caregivers, noting that societal rejection often leaves them struggling to support themselves and their children.
Kyazike Prossy, a SHAU board member representing youth with spina bifida, pointed out the significant challenges faced by individuals with these conditions, including accessibility issues and societal rejection.
She encouraged parents and caregivers to remain resilient, sharing her own journey as a graduate in human resource management despite the odds.
Mbabazi Patience, speaking on behalf of the caregivers and parents, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that the training and donations directly address their urgent needs.
Hydrocephalus condition is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) 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. The best way to prevent spina bifida is to take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy.
In Uganda, Its estimated that annually 6000 to 8000 are born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus condition which condition needs expensive specialized health care only found Mulago National Referral Hospital, Cure children hospital in Mbale and Mbarara regional referral hospital with only 12 surgeons for the conditions in the country.
