Medical experts have urged mothers to avoid relying on the internet for diagnosing and treating their children’s health problems, warning that such behaviour poses serious risks.
Dr Irene Bagala, a paediatrician and Manager at Global Health Uganda, emphasized that while many parents turn to online resources to address issues such as skin rashes or diarrhoea in their children, this approach can be dangerous.
“Many mothers think if a baby gets a skin rash, diarrhoea, or any other problem, they can easily run to the internet to find medication or treatment for them, but this is wrong,” Dr Bagala explained during the launch of the Cussons Baby “Share the Joy” campaign in Kampala. “The internet may offer all sorts of treatments that might not be suitable for your child.”
Dr. Bagala underscored the importance of consulting trained medical professionals who are equipped to diagnose and treat health conditions in children. She warned that attempting to self-diagnose based on a Google search could lead to improper treatment and worsen a child’s condition.
“Don’t use the internet as your doctor. Take your child to trained medical personnel for proper diagnosis and treatment. The internet can give you treatments without seeing the child, but only a doctor can offer the right prescription after examining them,” she cautioned.
The event, organized by African Queen in collaboration with PZ Cussons, marked the start of a three-month awareness campaign aimed at promoting better baby care practices across Uganda. The campaign, “Share the Joy,” will provide parents with expert advice on baby skincare, focusing on healthier and happier babies.
Mariam Nabwami, head of PZ Cussons Uganda, said the campaign seeks to equip mothers with knowledge about proper skin care for their babies. “We want to ensure that parents across the country have access to practical tips, expert consultations, and guidance from paediatricians familiar with local health challenges,” she said.
In addition to education, the campaign will reward loyal customers of the Cussons Baby brand as part of their effort to create lasting bonds with Ugandan parents.
While the internet may seem like a convenient source of information, nothing can replace the expertise of trained healthcare professionals when it comes to the health of children.
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