Nghe An (VNA) – A survey taken in 16 districts in central Nghe An province has shown that 496 more children are suffering from Deltoid Muscular Fibrosis, a disease affecting movement in the arms and shoulders.

The survey was taken by the provincial Children’s Assistance Fund on March 10.

“ Some of these children have already been through surgery, but have not fully recovered, “said Phan Si Hien , a fund specialist.

One thing hindering the success of the surgery is that many patients don’t properly follow post-operative rehabilitation procedures.

“ We need to see cooperation between the hospitals and the children’s families. The parents should have a basic knowledge of how to care for their children after the treatment,” Hien said.

To this end, the fund has opened six classes since 2006, all aimed at training parents on how to assist their children. Then, in mid-2007, a rehabilitation centre for such children opened.

Quynh Luu, Do Luong, Dien Chau districts have the largest number of afflicted children; many come from poor families and cannot afford to visit the hospital.

The average price for surgery is between 1-1.3 million VND(63-82USD).

Over the last two years the Deltois Muscular Fibrosis Programme has helped over 1,900 children. The fund has received grants from agencies, companies and the State in order to carry out its mission.

“ We mainly advertise through newspapers to get capital for the programme,” Hien said. “And as it stands, we plan for these 496 children to have surgeries by next summer.-Enditem