Michael Opio was a young man with big dreams. Born to Ogwang Alyet, a former worker of the defunct BAT Uganda and Nalongo Hadijja (a vendor at Ambercourt Jinja), Opio wanted to build a successful life, take care of his parents, and support his siblings.
He worked hard, and his determination paid off when he landed a job as a driver for a South African company contracted by the UN in Somalia.
Opio’s life was on an upward trajectory. He sent money back home to Kimaka B Village in Jinja City, supported his family, and even started saving for his own future. But one fateful day in 2015, everything changed.
As fate would have it, Opio woke up with numbness in his legs and hands. At first, he thought it was just fatigue, but as the days went by, the numbness turned into weakness, and he could hardly walk or lift up his arms.
The 40-year-old former driver for a South African company contracted by the UN in Somalia has been confined to a wheelchair since 2015 after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)at Nairobi International Hospital in Kenya.
The treatment was prohibitively expensive, and the company, fearing the financial implications of caring for an employee with a chronic condition, made the shocking decision to send Michael back to Uganda, abandoning him to fend for himself.
Michael believes the company’s motivation was to avoid the potential financial liability that would arise if the UN learned of his condition.
He thinks that if the UN had been informed, they would have compelled the company to provide adequate medical care and compensation, given their strict standards for handling human rights issues.
Opio, in an interview with The Exposure Uganda (TEU)digital media website says his former employer advised him to return to Uganda citing concerns about potential financial liabilities if the UN learned of his condition.
Despite visiting various hospitals like Kiruddu, Mulago and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, among others, and seeking medical attention, the diagnosis was the same devastating news: Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic and debilitating disease that would gradually take away his mobility and independence.
Years have gone by, and Opio’s condition continues to deteriorate. He lost his job, his family’s savings dwindled, and he became a burden to those he once supported.
The vibrant young man who had big dreams and aspirations was now confined to a wheelchair, unable to fend for himself.
Michael Opio’s story is heart-wrenching, reminding us how life can be so brutal, now forced to beg on the streets and in restaurants and hotels where more often he is treated with scorn.
His wheelchair is a constant reminder of his lost dignity and independence. He is unable to care for himself, relying on the kindness of strangers to survive.
Michael’s story is a painful reflection of the harsh realities faced by many people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
His story raises questions about corporate responsibility, human rights, and the treatment of employees in precarious situations.
Despite his condition, Opio’s brain remains sharp and he finds solace in reading his old Bible. However, his physical state has deteriorated significantly leaving him incontinent and dependent on others for basic care.
Opio’s emotional turmoil is palpable as he describes feeling of being “worse than a corpse” due to his condition. Despite his struggles, he remains determined to share his story hoping to raise awareness about challenges faced by people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
It is a chronic and often disabling autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Health experts note that MS is a significant health problem with varying prevailing rates across different regions.
Global Prevalence
The estimated global prevalence of MS is around 2.8 million people, with a prevalent rate of 35.9 per 100,000 population.
However, another study estimates the global prevalence to be 1.89 million people with a prevalence rate of 23.9 cases per 100,000 population.
Prevalence in Africa.
In Africa, the prevalence of MS varies significantly across different regions and populations. Estimates suggest that MS affects approximately 1 to 2 people per 1,000 in Africa which is lower than in other regions.
A study in South Africa reported a prevalence rate of 25.64 per 100,000 among white individuals and 0.22 per 100,000 among black individuals. In East Africa, the age-standardized prevalence rate is estimated to be around 4.7 per 100,000 population.
Prevalence in Uganda.
There is limited data on MS in Uganda. However, a case report from Mulago Hospital documented cases of MS highlighting the need for more research and awareness about the disease in the country.
Challenges in Africa.
The management of MS in Africa faces several challenges including diagnostic tools, lack of specialized care and inadequate treatment options. There is also a need for increased awareness and education about MS among healthcare providers and general public.
Experts suggest the need to integrate MS into national health policies, increase access to diagnostic tools and treatment options, provide specialized training for healthcare providers. International collaboration and research initiatives can also help in addressing the challenges and improve outcomes for people like Michael Opio living with MS in Uganda and Africa as a whole.
Appeal for Support.
Michael Opio’s story has touched many hearts, and we believe that together, we can make a difference. If you are willing to extend a helping hand to Michael, please reach out to him directly on 0705036046.
Your kindness, support, and generosity can bring hope and relief to Michael Opio’s life. Let us come together to help him overcome the challenges he faces.
