Ailing footballer Otuoma appeals for further medical aid

Former AFC Leopards striker Ezekiel Otuoma, is appealing to well-wishers to help him get further medical attention after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Otuoma was diagnosed with the disease in November 2020, forcing him to halt his football career.

The former Ulinzi Stars player has undergone treatment in India but not much has changed with his health situation, according to his wife Rachael.

Rachael told Citizen Digital the disease began as a persistent cough which later further medical tests showed his brains and nerves were paralyzed.

“He was attacked between November and December 2020, beginning as a cough before he slightly lost his voice. After it persisted, we decided to take him to hospital where it was discovered he has Motor Neurone Disease.

“It was difficult for raising money for his medical bills but well-wishers came to our aid. We were given KSh2.5 million by a betting firm to travel to India for medical attention but to my observation the drugs were not effective at all.

“He’s currently getting worse and needs urgent attention,” Rachael said.

Otuoma, who has lost his power of speech, has been in and out of hospitals for about two years now with no improvement, according to Rachael.

The disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, attacks the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord, causing swift muscle degeneration.

The biological mechanisms that cause the disease are only partially understood and has no known cure.