The Center for Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias (Cirah), the only one of its kind in Cuba, is one of the examples of the work of the Revolution in the health sector after its triumph on January 1, 1959.
This institution, located in the province of Holguin and specialized in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type II (SCA2), has the highest prevalence rate in the Caribbean area, set at 45 patients per 100 thousand inhabitants.
Through a treatment protocol based on rehabilitation, it is the only scientific entity attached to the Ministry of Public Health in the territory and promotes the quality of life of its patients through research and the use of innovative alternative methods, Dr. Julio Cesar Rodriguez and Cirah specialist, told ACN.
He indicated that the scientific results incorporate therapies such as yoga and the practice of sports, with the aim of improving coordination between the upper and lower limbs, balance and eye movements, one of the most affected areas in patients.
He pointed out that SCA2 is a degenerative, hereditary and incurable disease, so developing trials to delay its onset is essential to improve the quality of life.
He specified that the institution carries out studies to families carrying the gene capable of determining the appearance of the disease during pregnancy or early ages in order to delay its progress and facilitate social inclusion.
Also in the municipality of Báguanos, where the largest number of patients is located so far, health promotion activities are being extended to increase information on ataxia.
Cirah’s actions have allowed families such as Almaguer Suárez, resident in that town, to have free medical attention and the multidisciplinary team required in these cases.
Mirtha Almaguer, a gene carrier, thanked the love and dedication of the working group, which is only possible with the social programs implemented in Cuba for 65 years, focused on the protection of vulnerable sectors.
For more than two decades, the Cirah has accumulated multiple awards such as the Annual Health Award and publications in high-impact international journals and attends some 200 patients a month, with a multidisciplinary team in which specialties such as Neurology, Psychology, Internal Medicine, Physiatry and Stomatology, among others, are involved.
With information from Eileen Esther Molina Fernández – ACN / Translated by Radio Angulo
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