Uganda Health News: MPs happy about funds to fight nodding disease

First published: 20120210 7:44:13 AM EST

Franca Akello, Agago Woman MP.
Franca Akello, Agago Woman MP.

Ultimate Media

The government has been hailed for its efforts to set aside funds to curb the nodding disease that has been ravaging northern Uganda.

The State Minister of Health in charge of General duties, Dr. Richard Nduhura, on Thursday revealed that 7 billion shillings has been put aside to fight the disease.

Dr. Nduhura further said the initial funding of 100 million shillings to initiate the response has been obtained from reallocations within the Ministry of Health budget and other funds will be got from within other government agencies.

Agago Woman MP, Franca Akello says though it is a good move, government should have responded fast when the disease broke out more than a year ago.

Akello suggests that part of the funds should be utilized to set up rehabilitation centers in all affected districts to help victims recover fast as well as offer treatment.

Over 2000 people, among them children, have so far died from nodding disease in the districts of Agago, Pader, Gulu and Kitgum, among others.