Stakeholders in the health sector have called for improved long-term and follow-up care for patients living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Speaking during the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day 2026 celebrations at the Kisii Cultural Hall in Kisii town, BethanyKids Country Director David Ng’ang’a noted that despite many health facilities availing surgical care for children born with both conditions, most of them did not provide follow-up care.

“These children are born with conditions that need first surgical care, and then follow-up, but unfortunately, the place where we fail in our healthcare system is the follow-up side,” Ng’ang’a said.

He urged healthcare professionals and families to strengthen follow-up services and ensure patients receive comprehensive care after surgery.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines spina bifida as a congenital neural tube defect caused by the failure of the embryonic spine and spinal column to close completely during early pregnancy.

WHO also refers to hydrocephalus as an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the cavities (ventricles) of the brain, leading to increased fluid volume and intracranial pressure.

The two conditions are closely connected, as they affect the brain, spine, and nervous system.

Kisii County Director of National Council for Persons with Disabilities, James Esokon said they were marking the day to raise awareness and call for stronger support for individuals and families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

He noted they had also partnered with the Kisii county government to train 30 healthcare workers at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) on how to manage patients with the two conditions.

Additionally, Esokon noted they had equipped the caregivers with the practical skills and knowledge required to take care of people living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

He added that the training initiatives would improve early diagnosis, provide safe treatment and support patients and their families throughout life.

The Director also lauded the partners, including BethanyKids and NeuroKids, for supporting the training of health workers and carers as well as donating 58 specialized wheelchairs for the children with the two conditions in the region.

On her part, Kisii County Executive Committee Member for Social Services Margaret Obaga urged parents and carers not to hide children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus but instead to seek timely medical care.

“We have trained health professionals at our various facilities and they are ready to provide the necessary support required for children living with the two conditions,” Obaga said.

Bosongo Division Assistant County Commissioner Brian Koech reiterated the national government’s commitment to continue collaborating with the relevant health stakeholders to ensure children living with the spina bifida and hydrocephalus are supported.

The World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day is celebrated on October 25th every year, with this year’s theme of “A Lifetime of Experiences: From Preconception to Ageing” advocating for lifelong support, inclusion, accessibility and dignity for all.

By Mercy Osongo