Health workers and caregivers have raised concerns over the increasing number of children born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Uganda, coupled with the ongoing shortage of oxybutynin, a crucial drug for their treatment.

During the commemoration of World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day, organized by SHAU in Bugolobi, representatives from Katalemwa Cheshire Home and CURE Children’s Hospital urged the government to include oxybutynin on the essential medicines list and to strengthen support for hospitals that treat these conditions.

Olive Nabiryo, the program coordinator at Katalemwa Cheshire Home, explained that the center supports more than 6,000 children in the central region but can only reach about 1,000 each year due to limited staff and resources.

She highlighted that many families cannot afford transportation for therapy, and the shortage of oxybutynin often forces children to drop out of school or work, putting their kidneys at risk.

At CURE Hospital in Mbale, nurse coordinator Tonny Wambi reported that between January and September of this year, 217 surgeries had been performed for spina bifida and 1,200 for hydrocephalus.

He noted that the number of cases continues to rise and called for more neurosurgeons and increased government support.

Experts have stated that adding oxybutynin to the essential medicines list would significantly improve the quality of life for children affected by these conditions.

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