Written By Vanessa Kariuki ||
The 10th World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day were observed in Kisumu County in an effort to raise public awareness of the ailment, which is common among infants.
While Spina Bifida is a birth disease characterized by improper development of the growing baby’s spinal cord, hydrocephalus is a condition in which fluid builds up in the brain. On the other hand, a person with hydrocephalus might not also have Spina Bifida, and vice versa. Hydrocephalus, however, is more common in children with Spina Bifida.
Residents and stakeholders celebrated the day at Joyland Special Primary School to raise awareness of the conditions of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus as well as ways to prevent them.
Community health professionals and other caregivers shared their tough experiences raising children with this disease with the audience. They begged the Kisumu County Government to support the carers’ economic empowerment.
Young moms need to be made aware of the value of visiting the hospital frequently before and after conception and adhering to the doctor’s recommendations in order to prevent and detect such conditions, according to Linda Achieng, a nurse at the clinic.
“We are engaging young women and mothers through support groups and the community to sensitize them on early interventions and preventions of these conditions, and we request the community to help spread the information and respond in case they spot a child with the disorder in the community,” said Achieng.
Since these youngsters lack control over their lower bodies, Trezor Auma, a caregiver for a child with this ailment, asked the county government to give them aids like wheelchairs, catheters and pampers for waste.
“I have to use up to five pampers in a day and a catheter which is expensive and must be changed frequently lest they develop kidney problems which are always fatal and can lead to death,” said Auma.
In order for the public to comprehend preventive action and how to handle children with this disease, health facilities are also advised to take part in the dissemination of more information.
Despite the occasion, families of children with this disease face access issues because of their available funds.
The prevention of hydrocephalus and Spina bifida encourages pregnant women, young women, and mothers to attend the hospital for routine exams, particularly before and after conception.
