Former UWA boss needs bone marrow transplant

By Jacquiline Emodek

MOSES Wafula Mapesa, one of the foremost conservationists in Uganda is seeking over $ 100,000 to go for a bone marrow transplant in India.

The 49 year old former Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority was diagnosed with Myelodyslastic Syndrome (MDS) eight years ago.

According to Dr. Henry Ddungu a hematologist at the Uganda Cancer Institute, MDS is a group of disorders where the bone marrow malfunctions with the blood-forming stem cells failing to make healthy blood cells.

This means that Mapesa's bone marrow cannot manufacture its own red blood cells (responsible for carrying oxygenated blood), white blood cells (antibodies) and blood platelets which help with clotting.

"The abnormal production of cells can also progress to production of cancer like cells causing acute myeloid leukemia," he explained.

Sam Mwandha a friend of the Mapesa family said that since his diagnosis Mapesa has been managing the disease with blood transfusions; however the transfusions have become more regular causing doctors to recommend a bone marrow transplant.

 "Mapesa used to travel from Busia to Mulago hospital monthly to get blood transfusion but since April last year he started requiring a blood transfusion weekly," he said.

Dr. Ddungu who has also been treating Mapesa warned that the success rate of the bone marrow transplant is not 100 percent.

"We ensure that we get cells from a person of the same genetic makeup but sometimes these cells can be rejected by the system," he says.

MDS is common among people aged 70 and above; there is no definite cause. Currently there are over 10 patients being treated for the ailment at the Uganda cancer institute.

If the bone marrow transplant is successful, Mapesa will be able to manufacture his own red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets.

UWA employees together with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) have already start fundraising for Mapesa's bone marrow transplant, contributions from the public are welcome and are be channeled through the Moses Mapesa medical foundation account at Stanbic bank.

By press time the account number  was not ready but Eunice Mohoro Duli, the chairperson of the foundation said that contributions can be sent via mobile money to 070075481(Sylvia Mapesa).

Who is Moses Mapesa?

• Mapesa joined the conservation organization in 1988 a researcher.

• In 1996 he was deployed as a warden for Queen Elizabeth National Game Park.

• In 2000 he was made coordinator for planning, monitoring and research at UWA.

• In 2002 he was made deputy director field operations.

• In 2005 he was appointed Executive Director UWA up to 2010 when he left.

• He is a renowned conservationist who has received accolades globally including the World Conservation Union.