Uganda is set to join the global commemoration of World Day for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus on October 25, 2023. In a press statement leading up to the event, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hellen Grace Asamo, unveiled this year’s theme as “Accessibility for All: Empowering Lives, Embracing Differences.” This theme closely aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It also reflects the global commitment towards the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP3).
The chosen theme places a strong emphasis on promoting equal opportunities and inclusion for individuals affected by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus by addressing the barriers that hinder access to quality education, healthcare, employment, and social services. It advocates for inclusive education (SDG 4) tailored to the needs of children with these conditions, improved healthcare services, early detection, and intervention (SDG 3), and a reduction in inequalities to ensure that no one is left behind (SDG 10).
This theme resonates with Uganda’s National Development Plan, which focuses on inclusive development and social protection, recognizing the rights of individuals with disabilities. It aims to provide accessible infrastructure, services, and support systems to empower their lives and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Spina Bifida is a significant public health concern in Uganda, affecting approximately 11.7% of 10,000 live births. It often leads to lifelong physical and cognitive disabilities, including the co-occurring condition known as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus affects over 8,000 individuals annually, with 40% resulting from post-infectious causes and 30% from other origins.
Despite these high prevalence rates, there is a lack of public awareness and understanding about these conditions, resulting in social stigma, discrimination, and limited accessibility to services and information for affected individuals and their families. This situation poses several challenges, including limited accessibility to essential healthcare services, a lack of awareness and information about prevention and management, and social stigma and discrimination.
The commemoration of World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day in Uganda, under the theme “Accessibility for All: Empowering Lives, Embracing Differences,” presents an important opportunity to address these challenges by raising awareness and promoting accessibility to services and information. This initiative aims to create a healthier and more inclusive society for individuals affected by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, reducing the burden of disability and improving their health outcomes.
Planned activities for the event include an Awareness Symposium with expert panel discussions, Sensitization Workshops to promote inclusive environments, an Accessible Infrastructure Exhibition, Empowerment Sessions, Networking and Support opportunities, and a comprehensive media campaign to raise awareness and understanding of these conditions.