MOI to conduct a medical camp for children with spine disorders.

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurological Institute (MOI) is due to hold a special free medical camp for children born with open spine and large head problems across the country.

Speaking to reporters today in Dar es Salaam, the Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Specialist in Orthopedics, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Dr Hamis Shaban, said the camp is being held to mark the day of children with the problem.

He said the special camp is sponsored by the Mo Dewji Foundation and other stakeholders.

“We will conduct free examinations and treatment for them,

so we invite parents to bring their children to MOI on the 25th, starting in the morning, and we will see all the children across the country,” emphasized Dr Hamisi.

Dr Hamisi has noted that in every 1,000 births, three children are born with the problem, while every year, 4,800 children are born, and MOI sees 140 children in one week.

“The main reason is malnutrition among mothers before getting pregnant, this malnutrition is a lack of folic acid minerals, and mothers do not eat the required foods.

He added, “We advise mothers before they get pregnant to attend clinics and get advice from health professionals. There are foods such as vegetables, fruits, foods with fiber, milk, and there are also tablets.

He said that currently, there is ugali flour that has been enriched, so mothers need to get it because it contains important minerals to prevent the problem.

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“Children should be brought and treated, and the disability will be completely cured. We should not hide these children or neglect the services we provide for free here at MOI,” he stressed.

He also thanked the stakeholders who participated in sponsoring the camp for free, including the Mo Dewji Foundation and other stakeholders within and outside the country.