By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
HEALTH
A four year old Kiiza David together with his mother Jani Mapenzi accompanied by Dr. Lobho traveled over 456 kilometers from Ituri, Bunya town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to access specialized neurosurgery at Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital in Mbarara.
According to Dr. Lobho, Kiiza’s physician, the family initially sought treatment at a private hospital in Kampala but were told the surgery would cost at least 50 million shillings—an amount they could not afford. Disheartened, the father advised them to return home. However, before leaving, Dr. Lobho came across a flier announcing a free neurosurgery camp at Holy Innocents. After contacting the hospital, Kiiza was reviewed and successfully operated on January 7th.
Dr. Lobho praised the hospital team for their holistic services and noted that more patients from DRC are likely to seek care in Mbarara.
Professor Kitya, leader of the Mbarara neurological team, explained that such camps help ease the heavy caseload caused by the limited number of neurosurgeons in Uganda. He emphasized that partnerships with institutions from developed countries allow local doctors to learn advanced techniques. The current camp is supported by volunteer specialists from San Diego and Harvard University, including neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized nurses.
Dr. Mukuye, a neurosurgeon at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, highlighted the common causes of neurosurgical cases, such as accidents, congenital malformations, and birth defects. He urged expectant mothers to take folic acid early in pregnancy to reduce risks of birth defects, stressing that delayed antenatal care often prevents timely intervention.
Dr. Sadik Kagwa, an anesthesiologist and intensivist at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, reported that more than 15 children have already benefited from the camp. Conditions treated include hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and brain tumors. He noted that these surgeries are typically very expensive and called on the Ugandan government, through the Ministry of Health, to support Holy Innocents and its international partners to ensure continuity of services.
Dr. Levi Michael, the team leader from San Diego, said he has collaborated with Holy Innocents since its inception. As a pediatric neurosurgeon, he emphasized the importance of establishing a neurological department at the hospital to reach more children. He revealed that the San Diego team procured and installed essential medical equipment to sustain services.
Dr. Businge Stephen, CEO of Holy Innocents and a pediatric consultant, acknowledged the high demand for neurosurgery, noting that many cases had previously been referred to Cure Hospital in Mbale. He said the hospital decided to establish advanced neurological services to meet this need. He said the Dr. Levi came along with another professor from Harvard University and an associate professor from Chicago university who are both Neuro surgeons and is hopeful they the children benefited much from them.
Businge also thanked partners including Bethany Kids, the San Diego board, Cure Hospital, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology for their support and participation in the camp.
