Dar es Salaam – A free, nationwide medical camp for children born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus will be held at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) on October 25, officials announced on Thursday.
The camp is being organised to mark the day for children with these conditions and is sponsored by the Mo Dewji Foundation and other partners. Dr Hamis Shaban, the Head of the Department of Children and a Senior Specialist in Bones, Brain and Nerves at MOI, urged parents to bring their children for assessment.
“We will conduct free examinations and treatment, so we invite parents to bring their children on the 25th here at MOI, starting in the morning. We will see all children from across the nation,” emphasised Dr Hamisi.
He revealed the significant prevalence of the condition, stating that in every 1,000 births, three children are born with this problem, which translates to 4,800 children per year, and MOI sees 140 children with the condition in one week.
Dr Hamisi identified maternal malnutrition before conception as a primary cause, specifically a deficiency in folic acid. He advised, “We advise women before they get pregnant to attend clinics to get advice from health experts. There are foods like green vegetables, fruits, fibrous foods, milk, and there are also tablets.”
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He also highlighted the importance of fortified staple foods, saying, “Currently, there is Ugali flour which has been fortified with nutrients, so it is important for women to get it as it has essential minerals to prevent this condition.”
Strongly encouraging parents to seek care, Dr Hamisi asserted that children should be brought for treatment, and the disability can end completely.
“Let us not hide these children or discriminate against them,” he emphasised. “The service we provide here at MOI is free.”
He also extended his gratitude to the sponsors, thanking the Mo Dewji Foundation and other local and international partners for funding the free camp.
