Surgical and Medical Care Programme

The Surgical and Medical Care Programme under the Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Initiative (HSI) is designed to ensure that children affected by hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and related birth defects receive timely, affordable, and life saving medical and surgical interventions. The programme focuses on reducing delays in treatment, supporting families financially, and strengthening access to specialized neurosurgical services.

A major component of this programme is the Surgical Support Fund, which is aimed at assisting vulnerable families who cannot afford the cost of treatment. In Uganda, essential procedures such as shunt insertion and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy combined with Choroid Plexus Cauterization (ETV/CPC) can cost between 300 and 800 US dollars, depending on the hospital and complexity of the case. Through partnerships with donors, well wishers, and community support groups, HSI facilitates sponsorships that can cover one or more children each month, ensuring that urgent cases receive timely intervention without financial delay.

The programme also supports neurosurgical outreach services by working with medical partners to organize specialist surgical camps in regional hospitals. These outreach initiatives bring neurosurgeons closer to communities, reducing the need for long distance travel to referral hospitals. Hospitals such as CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda in Mbale and other partner institutions play a key role in providing these services. Through these camps, children are evaluated and operated on in a timely manner, while also building the capacity of local health workers.

In addition, HSI promotes the establishment of a Shunt Donation and Emergency Supply Network. This involves partnerships with medical suppliers, manufacturers, and health authorities to ensure that shunts and related surgical supplies are available when urgently needed. The aim is to reduce delays caused by stock shortages and improve survival outcomes for children requiring emergency neurosurgical intervention.

Through this programme, HSI works to strengthen access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. By combining financial support, specialist outreach services, and emergency medical supply systems, the organization ensures that children receive life saving treatment while reducing the burden on families and improving long term health outcomes.