EDITOR
The Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Dr. Elias Kumbakumba, has called upon men to actively support mothers in caring for children living with cerebral palsy.
Speaking during the hospital’s commemoration of World Cerebral Palsy Day held under the theme “Unique and United,” Dr. Kumbakumba emphasized that raising a child with cerebral palsy should not be left to mothers alone, noting that collective family involvement is crucial for the well-being of such children.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Kalubi, a pediatric neurologist at the hospital, urged parents to give special attention to children affected by cerebral palsy, cautioning against rushing them during feeding. He said such children require extra time, patience, and supervision that cannot be effectively handled by housemaids.
Dr. Kalubi explained that cerebral palsy is a brain-related condition that demands long-term rehabilitation and called on the public to stop stigmatizing affected children, reminding them that the condition is just like any other illness. He further advised parents to seek specialized care from major hospitals such as Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, which offers a wide range of medical services often expensive in private facilities.
On her part, Ms. Gift Atuhaire, a physiotherapist at the hospital, highlighted challenges in providing rehabilitation services, citing limited manpower and a heavy workload. She said the rehabilitation process requires continuous effort and financial support to help affected children live better lives.
