THE Muhimbili National Hospital–Mloganzila (MNH–Mloganzila) has appealed to well-wishers to contribute towards treatment of children with spinal bifida whose parents or guardians cannot afford the costs.

Dr Godlove Mfuko, MNH–Mloganzila acting director made the appeal in Dar es Salaam recently when speaking to members of Twiga House from Kilimanjaro Hyatt Regency hotel who visited the hospital and donated various items for children.

“Mloganzila has a calm environment, modern equipment, experienced specialists on spinal bifida and professionals in other arenas who work together to ensure patients are treated on time,” he said.

Dr Mfuko said the hospital receives many needy children suffering from the disease and called on stakeholders to support children who cannot meet treatment costs.

He said the facility will continue to conduct brain and neurosurgery for children diagnosed with spinal bifida as long as Tanzanians make contributions to facilitate the procedures.

 Said Mbaga, chairman of Twiga House, said the donation to help the children diagnosed with spinal bifida was part of their culture to give back to the society.

MNH - Mloganzila uses advanced technology to provide specialised treatment whereas since March this year, the hospital conducted procedures on six patients to remove pituitary tumours with minimal morbidity and hospital stay.

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord.