On October 25, 2024, AVSI Foundation joins the global community in commemorating World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day (WSBHD24) at Uganda’s National Referral Hospital, Mulago.
This year’s theme, “Improving Lives: Celebrating Progress in Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Treatment and Rehabilitation in Uganda,” highlights the remarkable advancements in care while emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and expanding access to vital services.
Spearheaded by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Uganda (SHAU) in collaboration with Uganda's Ministries of Health and Gender and other key partners such as AVSI Foundation, the event promises to offer free medical consultations, check-ups, and rehabilitation services. It shines a light on inspiring treatment and rehabilitation success stories, educating and empowering the public through real-life experiences shared by individuals living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
Its collaborative nature brings together healthcare professionals, organizations, the private sector, and government bodies, fostering partnerships to improve resources, research, and services. It also creates a space for individuals affected by these conditions to build support networks, advocate for themselves, and showcase their personal achievements.
The celebrations of WSBHD24 unite efforts to ensure access to multidisciplinary, lifelong care for individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and serve as a call to action, reminding us that together, we can continue to improve lives. AVSI Foundation has reached 1,400 children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus since 2012, providing essential medical care, including specialist treatments and referrals for early neurosurgeries, comprehensive rehabilitation with physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and assistive devices to enhance mobility and autonomy. Our programs also include education and training for families and healthcare workers, leveraging telemedicine and mobile health apps to overcome geographic barriers. Supported by Child Help International, our mission fosters real and lasting inclusion, helping every child reach their full potential.