Friends of the Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah, have contributed a total of Shs 10 million towards mothers of children affected by the nodding disease syndrome in Omoro district.
Led by the Chairperson National Drug Authority, Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, they handed over their contribution to the Deputy Speaker at his office in Parliament Building on Thursday, 22 November 2018. Dr. Bitekyerezo was accompanied by Dr Moses Kamabare, the General Manager National Medical Stores (NMS).
Bitekyerezo, who is also the former MP Mbarara Municipality, said that they were prompted to make the contribution following their visit to Omoro district where they found that the women lacked domestic requirements and other needs to care for the children affected by the disease.
“This money will go into their SACCO and help the women look after themselves and their children. We pray that the children get healed,” said Bitekyerezo.
The funds will go to Odek Sub County in Omoro district. Oulanyah represents Omoro County in Parliament, and has led a campaign to help communities affected by the nodding disease syndrome in northern Uganda. Several groups have provided various items including mattresses, blankets and food supplements.
The contribution follows a visit by the Deputy Speaker to the National Medical Stores (NMS), who in turn visited Omoro and gave food supplements to children suffering from the disease. The supplements containing over 90 nutrients from the Moringa were developed by NMS in conjunction with the Joint Medical Stores (JMS) and Doctors Choice, a non-governmental organization. It was launched in Omoro at the start of November.
Oulanyah was grateful that individuals were coming up to support the communities affected by the disease and appealed to government and partners to come to the rescue of the children in the area.
He said that the women caring for the sick children cannot take part in any activities as they have to attend and care for the sick children.
He said that Doctors Choice would return to Omoro to ascertain the effectiveness of the food supplements after three months.
“We are looking forward to a positive impact [of the supplements]. Our hope is that they can recover,” said Oulanyah adding that “With proper nutrition and medication, the children will recover.”
