In a poignant tale of resilience and sacrifice, Lucky Babirye, a mother of four, confronts the devastating impact of Primary Immune Deficiency Disease on her family.
With three of her children afflicted by this life-threatening condition, Babirye's story shines a light on the challenges faced by families grappling with rare diseases.
"Every day is a battle against Primary Immunodeficiency Disease," Babirye says, her voice filled with emotion.
"We spend over Shs2 million every month just to access medication for our children."
Tragically, Babirye's family has already endured the heartbreaking loss of one son to this relentless illness.
"He fought bravely, but the disease was too much for him," she mourns.
Dr Richard Idro, am expert in paediatric medicine, shed light on the nature of the disease, describing it as a genetic disorder that compromises the body's ability to combat infections.
"Families like Babirye's face immense challenges in managing this condition," he explained.
The financial strain of treating primary immune deficiency disease is immense, with Babirye's husband making significant sacrifices to afford the costly medications essential for their children's survival.
"We've sold our possessions, emptied our savings—all for the sake of our children," lamented Babirye.
Despite the prevalence of primary immune deficiency disease in Uganda, its true extent remains unknown.
Parents across the country are calling on authorities to intervene, urging subsidies for essential medications to alleviate the burden on families already struggling to make ends meet.
As Babirye's family continues to navigate the challenges of living with primary immune deficiency disease, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and unwavering determination of parents in the face of adversity.