The Ministry of Health has been urged to intensify food fortification with folic acid to curb preventable cases of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Uganda.

Speaking at the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day in Bugolobi, Phoebe Mutonyi, President of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda (SHAU), highlighted that many children continue to be born with these conditions due to low folic acid levels in commonly consumed foods.

In response, the Ministry of Health unveiled a new Strategic Rehabilitation and Technological Assistance Plan (2025/26–2030/31) aimed at strengthening prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for affected children.

Dr. George Upenytho Dugumm stated that the plan will provide assistive devices and lifelong rehabilitation support, emphasizing that no patient “should be left behind.”

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