Richard, the brother of one of our workmen, suffers from “Nodding Disease” which affects many hundreds of young people right across northern Uganda. The symptoms include aspects of epilepsy, and if untreated lead to mental retardation and ultimately death, at a young age. This terrible disease affects children between the ages of approximately 6 to 14 years. Many young people have been injured while suffering epileptic seizures. Some have fallen into cooking fires receiving severe burns, while others have drowned by falling into a stream or pool of water. The Ugandan Government provides anti-epileptic medications that help to control the seizures, but without adequate food the medication has limited benefits. We were able to provide funds to ensure that Richard received proper nutrition to get the maximum benefit from the medications provided for him. He has responded well and continues to be a part of his local community.
