Health and Rehabilitation

Disability is a major public health concern worldwide and the situation for children with disabilities is even more serious. Approximately one-third of the world’s disabled population is children and many of these disabling conditions are preventable. In Uganda, one the foremost causes of disability is infectious and communicable disease; the incidence of these diseases have been greatly reduced or eliminated in higher income countries.

Many children with disabilities have little access to basic health services and rehabilitative care. Children with disabilities supported by KCH undergo medical and social rehabilitation with consideration of parental involvement. Children with various disability challenges are assessed by the medical personnel’s at KCH and are given the rightful interventions. Children under going intensive rehabilitation are engaged in recreational activities both at KCH and other recreational centers. Children who participate in recreational activities such as sports improve in strength, coordination, and flexibility and are less likely to be depressed and often show improvement in behavior, academics, and social interaction.

Most of the children supported by KCH are identified during community outreaches – a strategy that has enables the KCH to reach a greater number of children with disabilities in various communities. The CBR approach adopted by KCH has also expanded knowledge and skills in the communities hence facilitating positive attitude change regarding childhood disability. It’s becoming clear that a big part of the problem of disability rests in negative attitudes and social practices common in every community and KCH is determined to continue sensitizing communities in issues regarding childhood disability.

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