Eight families on K. Kaashidhoo are grappling with a health crisis, with members experiencing debilitating symptoms, unable to move their hands and feet. Concerned about the alarming situation, the island's health center initiated a survey to investigate the factors contributing to this health issue.
The survey results revealed that over 35 individuals from 7-8 families were afflicted with a nerve condition. Yusuf Shujau, Public Health Coordinator at Kaashidhoo Health Centre, identified the symptoms as "Ataxia," characterized by uncoordinated movements, trembling, slowed movements, and difficulties in walking and speaking.
While the cause of Ataxia remains unclear, its impact is severe, leaving individuals unable to independently perform basic tasks as the condition progresses. Shujau noted that some of those affected show symptoms early on, while in some cases, asymptomatic affected persons only learn of their condition upon passing the inherited disease to subsequent generations.
The Kaashidhoo Council expressed deep concern about the inherited disease affecting a significant number of people on the island, emphasizing the need for urgent medical attention and treatment.
"It's a pressing concern in this island. Since it is hereditary, it can be passed on onto generations, to a large segment of the population," he said.
Initially, symptoms were identified in 2–3 families. Subsequently, as these families expanded through marriages, more individuals began experiencing the condition, prompting a comprehensive survey. The Kaashidhoo Health Center, in collaboration with a team from Aasandha company and an Indian medical team, conducted an assessment to understand the situation.
Shujau revealed that the age range of those affected spans 70 to 18 years at this moment. While some individuals are not confined to bed, they rely on assistance for daily living.
Remarkably, six siblings from the same family were diagnosed with the condition, exhibiting varying degrees of symptoms. Their father has passed away, also afflicted with the condition.
Presently, there is no specific treatment for this ailment. However, the situation can be prevented from worsening through a regime of exercise and physiotherapy. Recognizing this, the Kaashidhoo Health Center has formally requested the Ministry of Health to initiate therapy services on the island. The survey findings have also been submitted to the ministry.
A person familiar with the matter noted that genetic tests were conducted on three individuals from Kaashidhoo, revealing that two of them tested positive for two separate inherited diseases. The Health Ministry is now planning a collaborative effort with NSPA, Aasandha, IGMH, and MNU to conduct further studies. Once completed, the investigation aims to confirm the prevalent diseases in the majority of the island or determine if the two inherited diseases are widespread. Inheritance of a disease can only be prevented by first identifying how it is passed on. If the issue is marriages amidst a family, genetic counseling and gene tests can be conducted. Authorities are now working on the first phase of these studies. A doctor said that although the specific disease has not been identified, he can confirm that contracting 'Ataxia' is not a common occurrence. He said that having 35 persons on the island affected is a large number when considering the rarity of the condition. He said that while there are a few persons with Ataxia in the Maldives, he has not heard before of so many cases occurring in the same island and family. "It is the same in various countries of the world. Many cases occur in the same village. In small villages, they marry people from within the village. So in such a case, if there happens to be a genetic mutilation in that community, then many people of the village will be affected," he explained.
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