Folic acid deficiency linked to rising spina bifida cases in Acholi region

30 June 2026, 3:01 pm

By Tracy Anirwoth

Health officials in Gulu District are urging expectant mothers to consistently take folic acid supplements to prevent spina bifida, a congenital birth defect currently affecting dozens of children in the Acholi sub-region.

Speaking to our reporter on Monday, Mr Kolong Patrick, the Gulu District Assistant Health Educator, revealed that more than 30 parents have already sought medical assistance for their children at local health facilities.

To address the condition, health authorities have trained Village Health Teams (VHTs), in partnership with AVSI, an international NGO, to detect early signs of the condition within communities.

Addressing widespread misconceptions, Dr Sekwata William, a medical specialist at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, dismissed rumours that family planning pills or witchcraft cause the defect. Instead, he emphasised that the root cause is scientific, primarily linked to poor maternal nutrition and a lack of essential vitamins.

Dr Sekwata advised women to begin taking folic acid supplements as soon as they suspect they have conceived, or even while planning a pregnancy, to ensure the healthy development of the baby’s spine.

According to medical experts, parents should carefully examine their newborn babies for any physical irregularities. Dr Sekwata noted that a dislocated muscle structure along the spine may be an indicator of spina bifida.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr James Cosmas Okidi, has encouraged the community to utilise public health services rather than hiding affected children or resorting to alternative, non-medical treatments.

Mr Okidi advised parents to seek immediate assistance at the regional referral hospital to ensure timely referrals to specialised facilities, such as CURE Children’s Hospital in Mbale, which specialises in paediatric neurosurgery.