Health Ministry Urges Women On Spina Bifida Prevention as National Commemorations Head to Mbarara

The ministry of Health has called on all pregnant mothers to always seek antenatal services at least 8 times during their course of pregnancy, to prevent deadly conditions Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which attack unborn babies.

Dr. Livingstone Makanga, the assistant commissioner Reproductive and Infant Health at the Ministry says Hydrocephalus happens in first weeks of pregnancy and if not detected early, a mother is likely to give birth to a very weak, paralyzed baby with an enlarged head.

Spina bifida on the other hand is a congenital condition in which the spinal column of the unborn baby is exposed. The condition happens during the formation of the baby in the fetus when it’s spinal cord fails to be covered with sheaths or membrane.

It is believed to be genetic or a result of environmental or nutritional factors, high fevers during pregnancy, diabetes and obesity which can also predispose the embryo to spinabifida.

He added that it happens in the first few weeks of pregnancy often before the woman even knows.

“It may cause physical and mental disabilities that may rise from mild to severe form. Some people may have limited or low disability, others may be limited the way they move or function while others may completely be paralyzed and unable to move,” he said

Dr Makanga however noted that there are interventions proven to reduce the occurrence of the condition before or after pregnancy and they include giving folic acid to a pregnant woman when detected early during pregnancy and having early antenatal care for pregnant mothers.

“A pregnant should attend antenatal care at least 8 times during pregnancy. The condition can be diagnosed during early pregnancy. Pregnant mothers should attend clinics regularly and also do periodic medical examinations and health checks as early as possible during pregnancy,” he said

Ruth Nalugya the National coordinator Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda, says children with spinabifida and hydrocephalus cannot control their bladder or their bowels.

Unfortunately, she says, rehabilitation centers for these children are very limited and the cost of surgery and management is very expensive.

Ruth Nalugya the National coordinator spinabifida and hydrocephalus association of Uganda

The four rehabilitation centers in Uganda are private and not supported by Government such as Cure children’s hospital in Mbale (East), Avis hospital in Gulu (North), Katalemwa in central and a one attached to Ruharo hospital in Mbarara for Western region and all charge up to 2 million shillings for a surgery.

 

Nalugya herself has a six-year-old daughter who is suffering from the condition and she says that her husband abandoned them over their daughter’s condition.

 

She reveals her daughter was operated three times three months after birth with each operation going for 2 million shillings.

 

The international federation of spina bifida and hydrocephalus together with world health Organization (WHO) gazetted 25th October every year as International spinabifida and hydrocephalus day to use the day sensitise the general public about the condition and how it can be prevented.

 

The national celebrations will be at Mbarara district Local Government.