Researchers have said that the nodding disease syndrome is preventing intermarriages among communities in the Acholi sub region.
Amos Deogratius Mwaka, a researcher from Makerere’s College of health revealed this on Monday during the release of findings on nodding disease which has ravaged the Acholi sub region.
Mwaka said communities in the region associate the illness to a section of communities which he says subjects them [the communities] to rejection.
The researcher revealed that he interviewed a 45 health workers in 2014 with half of them saying they are afraid to touch children suffering from nodding disease for fear of catching the disease and transmitting it to their family members. Mwaka, however, dismissed the claims [that the disease is contagious], saying there is no scientific proof that suggests that the nodding syndrome is contagious and genetically transmitted.
Mwaka said that it is wrong to deny affected communities the chance to marry partners of their choice basing on claims that “the clan” could be infested with the nodding disease.
He urged local leaders to sensitize communities, emphasizing that no one is at risk of catching the disease by associating with an infected person. He also appealed to health workers not to fear treating children with the ailment.
Nodding disease is characterized by a nodding of the head which is accompanied by convulsions, staring spells and seizures. The disease mainly affects children aged 5-15 years.
The lead researcher of the report, Richard Idro who presented findings to stakeholders who were gathered at Pader district council hall on Monday said the research confirmed earlier predictions that the disease is caused by a parasitic worm known as the Onchocerca volvulus.
The minister of health, Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye who was also present during the presentation of the findings applauded the researchers for the results and said the research challenges the ministry to invest in neuro-science [mental and psychological science].
Cases of nodding disease has been reported in parts of Southern Sudan and Southern Tanzania in East Africa. Potential cases have been reported in Liberia, Burundi and DR Congo.
In Uganda, the most affected districts are Pader and Kitgum with a few cases in Lira, Amuru, Gulu, Nwoya, Oyam and Lamwo.
The director general of health service in Uganda, Jane Ruth Achieng told our reporter that so far 17 treatment areas have been established in most affected areas, 30 deaths reported. She however says some deaths have not been reported.
