As it celebrates 25 years of procuring, storing and distributing essential drugs and supplies for the people of Uganda, National Medical Stores (NMS) has joined the fight to curb the effects of Nodding Syndrome amongst those afflicted and affected by the ailment.
Nodding Disease is a neurodegenerative condition whose exact cause is yet to be established. This debilitating ailment affects only children, and has manifested in seven districts in Northern Uganda. What is known is that malnutrition plays a significant role in making a child susceptible to the illness, and also goes on to make their care difficult once they are affected.
And thus NMS, in partnership with the Ugandan firm Doctor’s Choice, has acquired and donated 3-months stock worth of a new drug/supplement called ‘Replenish’. Replenish is a powerful immune-booster, and is specially designed to counter the deficiencies of selenium and Vitamin B6 that are seen in the sufferers of Nodding Syndrome. The drug has been certified by the National Drug Authority.
The global launch of Replenish occurred at Hope for Humans Care Center in Odek sub-county, Omoro District, on 8th November, 2018. The Chief Guest was the Right Honourable Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Omoro District, Jacob Oulanyah. He thanked NMS for going a step above their usual mandate, and directing energy towards providing care and generating awareness about the ailment.
Both the NMS Board Chairperson, Dr. Jotham Musinguzi, and the General Manager/CEO, Moses Kamabare, thanked the Deputy Speaker for inviting NMS to be part of the initiative. They promised that the corporation shall do even more.
NMS also donated 200 blankets and 200 mattresses to the families of those affected by Nodding Syndrome in the area.