Tasmanians ease impact of cruel condition
Acholi people of Uganda already have enough to deal with, says Eric Abetz
NODDING Syndrome? Most people have never heard of it. If you haven’t — be thankful.
Sadly, thousands have not only heard of it but suffer from it. Nodding Syndrome afflicts children well after they are born — usually five years after birth. It is a debilitating medical condition that presents with intellectual disability, decreased cognitive and physical ability with little or no emotional or social ability to interact. And yes — the victims constantly nod. Hence the name. Sad, debilitating and cruel.
Its cause is suspected to be the impact of toxins in chemical weapons employed during conflicts in the North of Uganda.
Many of the victims are in fact orphans having lost many of their family members or abandoned given the abject poverty in which the rest of their family lives. The victims’ self-awareness is non-existent. They throw themselves into open fires and flowing rivers completely unaware of dangers. They need constant supervision and care. Hardly something that people living a subsistence existence can afford to offer to their afflicted family members.
Into this human tragedy and ugliness a group of Tasmanians seeking to alleviate and ameliorate the deprivation calling themselves Acholi Resilience has stepped, led by the inspirational Moses Otto who came to Australia as a refugee.
The Acholi people of northern Uganda have been severely impacted by nodding syndrome and the word “resilience” speaks for itself and explains the name of the new organisation recently registered by the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission which enjoys deductible gift recipient status.
Its purpose is to take action to alleviate the plight of victims through the provision of basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. This is the first step in providing real hope and a future for the Acholi people and its nodding syndrome sufferers. Other vital needs include facilities for basic schooling and medical care.
These are just some of the needs this Tasmanian-based organisation is dedicated to providing to some of the most impoverished, deprived and neglected people in our world.
What’s more, Acholi Resilience has been spearheaded by Ugandan refugee Moses Otto, who knows the country of his birth and its people and their dire needs. A recent visit by Moses to northern Uganda allowed him to observe first-hand the desperate need that exists. With local contacts understanding the need and some supportive Ugandan parliamentarians, along with myself, Moses Otto and his team are determined to make a difference.
This Christmas season a gesture of kindness through a donation would help alleviate the real and present plight of those suffering from nodding syndrome. Your help, no matter how small, will be a life changer for someone whose lot in life has been impacted by circumstances well and truly beyond their control.
Inquiries can be made at info@acholiresilience.org
More importantly a donation can be made to: Account Name: Acholi Resilience, BSB 017214, A/C 467011619 or PayPal.