Spina Bifida in Uganda

Spina bifida is the most common neurological birth defect in the world.

Neural Tube Formation

During the first 4 weeks of pregnancy the developing embryo forms a plate that folds to form a tube, this is the neural tube. That tube forms the basis for develop of the brain and central nervous system. 

Failure in closure of the neural tube causes spina bifida.

Once the defect is there the developing spinal cord is exposed and becomes damaged leading to paralysis and other complications like hydrocephalus and club feet.

This video is a very good introduction


In Uganda the incidence of spina bifida is estimated to be 1,400 births per year, (see Prevention of spina bifida: folic acid intake during pregnancy in Gulu district, northern Uganda).

There is no cure for spina bifida. However, it can be prevented. Adequate intake of folic acid during the 3 months before and  3 months  after pregnancy will prevent spina bifida.

The supplementation of diet with folic acid is a human rights issue (see Vector, the Boston Children's Hospital's science and innovation blog):

In Uganda, where rates of hydrocephalus and spina bifida are high, children with deformities or disabilities from these conditions have two to three times the overall child mortality rate, noted neurosurgeon Benjamin Warf, MD, of Boston Children’s. Warf recently reported that access to community-based rehabilitation after hydrocephalus surgery increased five-year survival from 50 to 84 percent. “This is a human rights issue,” he said.

Undoubtedly investment in unborn children is the key to the future:

“To say that spina bifida and hydrocephalus are not a priority is a euphemism,” said Lieven Bauwens... “If people don’t believe in these children, there is no investment in their care, and that will lead to major negative outcomes and more negative thinking.” (see Vector).

Your children are your future. To ensure your child does not get spina bifida take folic acid regularly during the 3 months before and during the 3 months after pregnancy.