Folic acid deficiency blamed for rising Spina Bifida cases in Acholi sub-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.

While 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 combat the condition, health authorities have trained local 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 rumors that family planning pills or witchcraft cause the defect. Instead, he emphasized 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 the moment 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 physical irregularities. Dr. Sekwata noted that a dislocated muscle structure along the spine can be an indicator of spina bifida.

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

Mr. Okidi advised parents to seek immediate assistance at the regional referral hospital to secure timely referrals to specialized facilities, such as the CURE Children’s Hospital in Mbale, which specializes in pediatric neurosurgery.