The National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) has advised the public to dispel myths about epilepsy, urging people not to stigmatize children with the condition but to provide the love and care they need.
Speaking during the national epilepsy day an event which was held at Makueni mother and child facility, Epilose Musimbi from NECC emphasized that epilepsy is not witchcraft,
With 1.5 million Kenyans affected by epilepsy, only 300,000 seek medical care, and merely 100,000 adhere to prescribed treatments.
Musimbi revealed that two out of every ten people live with epilepsy, emphasizing that individuals with the condition can lead normal lives even after an episode.
Epilepsy has no known cause, but factors such as brain injuries and infections can trigger it.
Musimbi stressed that epilepsy is not contagious, and anyone, regardless of age, status, or religion, can develop it.
To address misconceptions, NECC has trained community health promoters to educate the public about epilepsy, its causes, treatment, and first aid.
The Vice Secretary of NECC, Fred Kiserem, highlights their outreach efforts in 19 counties, urging the public to support victims and combat stigma.
Globally, approximately 70 million people are affected by epilepsy.
Bank of Africa representative Angela Otieno notes a nine-year partnership with NECC, involving the training of 800 community health promoters and 50 trainer-of-trainers in Makueni.
Their awareness campaigns have identified 1,400 patients in the visited counties, with over 1 million people reached.
The goal is to bring People Living With Epilepsy (PLWE) out of the shadows and into the light.
Makueni Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Daniel Githogo appreciates NECC’s new guidelines on epilepsy management, expecting improvements in healthcare delivery.
Christopher Muthama, the Community Health Promoters Coordinator, reports the training of 50 trainer-of-trainers who will continue raising awareness and encouraging the public to seek medical care for PLWEs.
Makueni County Chief Officer in the Ministry of Health, Steven Ndolo, pledges a thorough search for PLWEs for treatment.
He underscores the commitment to keeping pace with research and training to align with newly introduced drugs in epilepsy management.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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