Caxito: Over 300 patients were treated during a three-day screening campaign focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders at the ‘Reverendo Guilherme Pereira Inglés’ general hospital in Caxito, located in Angola’s northern province of Bengo. Neurodevelopmental disorders are neurological issues that can disrupt the ability to acquire, retain, or apply specific skills or information, often affecting attention, memory, perception, language, problem-solving, or social interaction.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the campaign successfully treated 301 patients, with 171 children coming from Luanda, 120 from Bengo, and the remainder from the provinces of Cuanza Sul, Zaire, and Huambo. This information was shared by Geovani Malega, the general director of the hospital unit, who presented the campaign data. Malega also highlighted that the campaign included a training component for local staff to expand their capacity to serve a broader population, with patient interventions set to commence in January 2025.
It is
anticipated that many patients could not participate in the campaign for various reasons. As a result, there will be a continuation of screenings next year, alongside planned interventions, all of which will be offered free of charge. Malega emphasized the project’s support from the Ministry of Health, aiming to reach as many families as possible and ensuring they receive necessary care.
Dr. Line Duarte, an expert in ABA therapy, expressed concern over the campaign’s results, particularly noting the high number of patients from Luanda. Despite this, Duarte received positive feedback about the campaign’s success in assisting numerous families. The team plans to develop therapeutic plans for each family based on the collected data, with interventions starting in January to enhance patients’ quality of life.
The campaign also involved the expertise of Carlos Duarte, an occupational therapist and master in sensory integration. He addressed daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, and brushing teeth, w
hich are challenging areas that can impact the mental health of caregivers and those responsible for education, as well as issues related to sensory sensitivity.