Cerebral Palsy: A Growing Concern in the Ankore Region

The Ankore region is witnessing a distressing rise in the number of children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), presenting significant challenges for affected families and healthcare providers.

Currently, over 2,000 children are receiving treatment at Ruharo Mission Hospital through the OURS program, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and resources dedicated to this often-overlooked condition.

Cerebral Palsy is the leading cause of motor-related disabilities among children, yet it is frequently misunderstood and stigmatised in local communities, where it is sometimes wrongly associated with witchcraft or curses.

Efforts to educate communities about the true causes of Cerebral Palsy are underway, spearheaded by healthcare workers in the region.

During the celebration of World Celebral Palsy Day at Ruharo Mission Hospital, Henry Akankwatsa, a physiotherapist from Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital explained that the condition arises from damage to the developing brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after birth.

“The most common causes include nutritional deficiencies, infections such as severe malaria, and physical trauma experienced by the mother during pregnancy, such as falling or domestic violence,” he stated.

Akankwasa emphasized that delays in reaching healthcare facilities during delivery often lead to oxygen deprivation in newborns, which can have devastating consequences for brain development.

"if a woman delays to give birth, the baby gets tired and after birth, the baby might fail to cry. If the Baby fails to cry at birth, this is often a sign of oxygen deprivation, which can result in severe brain damage," Dr. Akankwasa emphasised.

Data from Ruharo Mission Hospital reveals that 60% of children with Cerebral Palsy developed the condition at birth, while 32% were diagnosed after birth, and 2% before birth.

Ndyowaawe Arron Bram, Program Administrator at OURS, noted the increasing strain on the hospital’s resources. “We currently have over 2000 children from Ankore region registered with Cerebral Palsy at OURS, Ruharo Mission Hospital.

This is a very big number burdened by lack of resources and support in the community. As the health care providers, we need more assistive devices to provide care effectively,” he said.

The lack of adequate assistive devices and resources complicates the care provided to these vulnerable children, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

The emotional and psychological toll on caregivers is profound. Research indicates that caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy experience some of the highest levels of stress, isolation, and abandonment. Twekwatse Iryn, a caregiver whose husband left her due to their child’s condition, shared her heart-wrenching story.

“The community has thrown lemons at me for giving birth to a child with a disability. I feel abandoned and shamed, struggling to provide the care my child needs,” Iryn expressed.

Her experience is not unique; many caregivers feel overwhelmed by the societal stigma and the physical demands of caring for a child with disabilities.

The testimonies of affected children further illustrate the pressing need for improved healthcare infrastructure and community support. Ivan Akankwatsa, a Primary 7 student living with Cerebral Palsy, recounted the challenges he faced growing up.

“I couldn’t sit or crawl like other children, and it wasn’t until I was six that I received the medical support I needed,” Ivan said. His story, along with others, underscores the necessity for timely healthcare interventions and increased community awareness to ensure that children with Cerebral Palsy receive the support and resources they need to thrive.

As healthcare workers continue to advocate for better access to care, it is crucial for communities to foster an understanding and acceptance of Cerebral Palsy to combat the stigma surrounding this condition.