Entebbe based nonprofit, Santa Smiles is set to support at least seventy children affected by Hydrocephalus or Spina Bifida in the area starting this year. The organisation’s team leader, Irene Karungi has revealed.
She said this while visiting the Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Initiative (HSI) rehabilitation center on Saturday (26 November, 2022). Karungi said they will continue to rally support and awareness for the children affected in order to lead normal lives.
“There is need to create more awareness for the disease since it is avoidable, and the affected children and their families need to be supported bearing in mind the treatment and care for these children is very expensive,
“Most of these children are from broken homes and the stigma is very high, we want to partner with HSI to heighten awareness and as well influence more funding to make its treatment accessible and less costly.”
According to Patience Mbabazi who is the HSI director, most of their children come from less privileged homes and can barely receive the required nutrition and treatment.
“Many children diagnosed with either Spina Bifida or Hydrocephalus never see their first birthday, many are abandoned by their parents due to the stigma, and as HSI we are unable to handle all the needs, that is why such partnerships and donations come in handy for our parents and children. We hope our new found friends will bring in many others on board.”
During the same visit, Santa Smiles delivered donation including food stuffs and sanitary necessities for the children. According to Enid Aineamatsiko who is the operations manager at Santa Smiles, the items will aid the beneficiaries celebrate the festive season better.
About Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida:
Hydrocephalus is a somewhat rare condition that causes a build-up of fluids in the brain, causing enlargement of the head and other adverse effects. The condition is commonly presented in infants and the elderly.
According to clinical research, the disease can be precluded because it streams from folic acid deficiency and lack of a proper diet during the pre-natal days of a mother that causes genetic disorders in the development of the brain.
Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD).
Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way. When the neural tube doesn’t close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn’t form and close as it should. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
About The Author
