There is a need to create awareness on the causes of spina bifida and hydrocephalus among babies as a measure to reduce its prevalence.
Speaking in Kajiado County during celebrations to mark the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus day, Bethany Kids Country Director David Ng’ang’a, stressed the need to sensitise young mothers on the importance of visiting the hospital frequently during pre and post-conception and following the doctor’s advice to detect and prevent such conditions.
Ng’ang’a revealed that Spina Bifida is a condition that occurs when the baby’s spine and spinal cord does not develop properly in the womb during the first two weeks of pregnancy causing a gap in the spine.
He said the condition is caused by lack of folic acid in the mother’s body and added that one way of preventing the condition is by ensuring the intake of folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy.
The Bethany director added that hydrocephalus is the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and is common among children who have spina bifida.
“It is important for mothers to take a balanced diet and folic acid supplements before and after conception to prevent spina bifida. Children with spina bifida are more likely to develop hydrocephalus,” Ng’ang’a said.
He further noted that persons living with the conditions often lack access to assistive devices such as catheters which they require as they are unable to control their bowel movement.
Ng’ang’a urged the county governments to ensure that the assistive devices are readily availed at the hospitals to enable persons affected to have access and live a decent life.
Duncan Sakimba, Director AIC Childcare Centre in Kajiado, urged parents to ensure their children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus are taken to a medical centre for assessment, therapy and corrective surgery.
Sakimba urged all stakeholders to unite in assisting persons living with the conditions to make their lives better by providing them with assistive devices such as wheelchairs and catheters.
“This year’s theme ‘Bridging Gaps Together’ reminds us that no organization can do it alone and we all need to work together as stakeholders to ensure that persons affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus have access to health care,” Sakimba said.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Public and Social Services, Judy Pere urged parents and guardians not to hide their children who live with disability but instead allow them to have equal opportunities in life to achieve their full potential.
She noted that the Disability Mainstreaming Act that was enacted by the County Assembly will ensure that persons with disabilities have access to assistive devices and bursaries to enable them to have access to education.
World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day is marked annually on October 25 to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for the rights of individuals with these conditions.
By Rop Janet
