UGANDA: Rehabilitation Center for Survivors of Nodding disease set in Uganda’s Gulu Archdiocese
Most Rev John Baptist Odama sharing a meal with survivors of Nodding syndrome at the care center in Kitgum
Fr Isaac Ojok
Gulu Arch diocese has established a center to render basic care and rehabilitation to the most vulnerable survivors of nodding disease in Northern Uganda.
Rev Fr Anthony Nyeko, the Executive Director of the center confirmed the development and said the coming in to existence of the center is an initiative of Most Rev John Baptist Odama of Gulu Archdiocese noting that it has been established in the region to rejuvenate hope in the lives of the survivors of nodding syndrome.
He told AMECEA correspondent that Arch-Bishop John Baptist Odama Care Center Kitgum (AJBOCCK) at the initial stage will be a home to a total of 550 survivors of nodding disease who are in deteriorating condition.
He said the center will operate to offer rehabilitation and care to the victims from the ten (10) districts in Acholi and Lango sub regions with most terrible cases of the sickness.
Additional to 550 victims he said, they also plan to enroll other survivors to the center in the nearby future with the aid of financial assistance from the partners and the people of Good will.
A part from the survivors of nodding disease, Fr Anthony went on to share that, they are planning to offer similar care to most vulnerable elders who are suffering in silence and cannot meet or acquire their basic needs.
At the center, the Executive director noted that Physiotherapy exercise will be offered mainly to the victims to strengthen their muscles and to enable them re-gain their physical ability as well as other therapies to enhance their growth.
Furthermore, he said, the center will also be the point where victims of the nodding syndrome will be offered some vocational skills, a move that will help them to be self-reliant and live productively in their communities.
He went on to note that, the center will strive to foster the spiritual welfare of the survivors by the priests, religious, catechists and other pastoral agents so as to learn how to pray and communicate through prayers.
Other activities will also involve engaging the victims in games and sports including other activities to be able to make their minds and bodies active to enable them regain their memories.
The center according to Fr Nyeko will also prioritize introducing agricultural production to create avenue for them to improve the general diet and nutrition of the victims.
Apparently, Fr Anthony revealed that they have strategic development and sustainability plan with government and other partners to revamp the center with support so as to create capacity and space for the center to accommodate more survivors of nodding disease for rehabilitation.
The plan according to Fr Nyeko was further discussed following the visit of the Minister in- charge Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, other teams from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Local Government leaders where the need to restore the dignity of survivors of nodding syndrome was prioritized.
As part of the future plan he said, they are also set to introduce other lucrative activities to generate resources and income which can help the center to facilitate the welfare of the survivors especially on nutrition.
He further informed AMECEA correspondent that, the initiative will go along helping the families of the victims to engage in productive activities like agriculture in a move to strengthen their livelihoods.
He appealed to members of the community, national and international communities and all people of Good will to support the center that is giving safe haven to victims of nodding disease.
Arch Bishop John Baptist Odama Care Center Kitgum (AJBOCCK) has initiated fund raising drive scheduled for 24th September 2022 aimed at obtaining monetary support to facilitate the implementation of various activities the center is set to undertake.
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