Famine could stop mental growth â€" doctor
The famine in Teso sub-region might create a generation of mentally retarded and physically stunted people, a doctor has said. Dr. Silver Eulu, the Amuria district health officer, explained that malnutrition among infants and mothers had adverse effects o
By Daniel Edyegu
The famine in Teso sub-region might create a generation of mentally retarded and physically stunted people, a doctor has said. Dr. Silver Eulu, the Amuria district health officer, explained that malnutrition among infants and mothers had adverse effects on the mental and physical growth of children.
“Babies and children need adequate proportions of iodine for the brain and body to develop. The best source of iodine is breast milk. Now that mothers are starving, they cannot produce enough milk,†Eulu explained.
He added that unborn babies were at risk, too, because malnourished mothers did not have adequate iodine in their bodies. Eulu said to avoid chronic effects of famine, the Government needed to establish therapeutic feeding centres in the famine-affected districts.
He was recently speaking at a meeting with Teso district leaders and MPs on the parliamentary committee on agriculture at Soroti district headquarters.
The MPs had just concluded a four-day tour of Katakwi, Kaberamaido, Bukedea, Soroti, Amuria and Kumi districts. Eulu cautioned HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs not to stop taking the medicine due to famine, saying this could weaken their immunity.
“Even if you only take a cup of porridge, swallow ARVs. Refusing to take them is suicidal,†Eulu said. According to the district disaster management reports, 151,500 people are estimated to be starving.
The famine in Teso sub-region might create a generation of mentally retarded and physically stunted people, a doctor has said. Dr. Silver Eulu, the Amuria district health officer, explained that malnutrition among infants and mothers had adverse effects on the mental and physical growth of children.
“Babies and children need adequate proportions of iodine for the brain and body to develop. The best source of iodine is breast milk. Now that mothers are starving, they cannot produce enough milk,†Eulu explained.
He added that unborn babies were at risk, too, because malnourished mothers did not have adequate iodine in their bodies. Eulu said to avoid chronic effects of famine, the Government needed to establish therapeutic feeding centres in the famine-affected districts.
He was recently speaking at a meeting with Teso district leaders and MPs on the parliamentary committee on agriculture at Soroti district headquarters.
The MPs had just concluded a four-day tour of Katakwi, Kaberamaido, Bukedea, Soroti, Amuria and Kumi districts. Eulu cautioned HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs not to stop taking the medicine due to famine, saying this could weaken their immunity.
“Even if you only take a cup of porridge, swallow ARVs. Refusing to take them is suicidal,†Eulu said. According to the district disaster management reports, 151,500 people are estimated to be starving.