Nodding Syndrome continues to affect many children and families across Northern Uganda, particularly in Pader District, where caregivers face significant psychosocial, social, and economic challenges. While ongoing interventions have largely focused on medical and nutritional support, many affected households continue to struggle with caregiver stress, stigma, social isolation, poverty, and limited access to mental health and psychosocial support services. Recognizing these challenges, LR Media Initiative, in support of Neurxtend Foundation, organized a two-week donation mobilization campaign from 1st to 15th June 2026. The campaign appealed to individuals, organizations, institutions, and well-wishers to donate clothes, shoes, sanitary materials, food items, soap, and other essential household supplies to support families affected by Nodding Syndrome. The initiative received contributions from various partners and volunteers who responded generously to the call to support vulnerable households. The campaign culminated in a community outreach activity held on 16th June 2026 in Angagura Sub-county, Pader District. The outreach was led by LR Media Initiative in collaboration with Neurxtend Foundation Uganda; in partnership with, Santa Foundation, WomenRise Uganda (CBO), Northwood Production Initiative Gulu CBO, and several independent volunteers including elected leaders. Beyond the distribution of donated items, the activity was designed to provide mental health awareness, psychological first aid (PFA), psychosocial support, and a safe space for caregivers, patients, and community members to openly discuss their challenges and identify practical solutions. The outreach also served as an opportunity to promote community solidarity, restore dignity and hope among affected households, and generate valuable insights that will inform future psychosocial support, livelihood, and economic empowerment interventions for families affected by Nodding Syndrome. The activity brought together patients, caregivers, local leaders, community members, and partner organizations to discuss challenges affecting affected families and identify practical solutions. A total of 134 beneficiaries, including patients, caregivers, and children from affected households, received various donations including foods, clothing, laundry soap, sanitary pads for adolescent girls and young women, shoes and refreshments. The activity created a safe platform for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and recommendations for improving the wellbeing of Nodding Syndrome patients and their families. |