Nodding Disease / Nodding Syndrome

As we continue our work with the neighboring villages, a unique and unfamiliar disease has been brought to my attention. Called nodding disease or nodding syndrome, this disease is found only in the south of South Sudan, the north of Uganda and parts of Tanzania. The disease causes stunted growth, mental retardation and seizures. In my opinion, the craziest thing is that the cause of the disease, and subsequent treatment, are still unknown. It was first described in the 1960s and has since become more widespread. Since the disease only afflicts extremely poor people in a very isolated part of the world, I doubt many doctors and researchers have the incentive to properly address this disease.

It's really a shame and makes life even more difficult for the already disadvantaged population. Since our focus is on treating preventable diseases, people often ask about nodding syndrome and what they can do to prevent it. It's frustrating to answer them "there is nothing you can do", and even worse to think "there is nothing that will be done." It is incredibly disturbing to face those afflicted; being surrounded by retarded children in rural Uganda is not pleasing and made me think I was in something akin to a zombie land. I just hope that more people are aware of this disease and at some point an ambitious researcher or doctor will come and help address the problem!