GOVERNMENT has pledged to help in the fight against stigmatisation and discrimination of people living with epilepsy amid reports that the condition affected 2% of the country’s total population.
BY ALOIS VINGA
In a speech read on behalf of Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa during commemorations to mark the National Epilepsy Week in Harare early this week, Health permanent secretary Gerald Gwinji also said efforts were being made to reduce the treatment gap for epileptic patients.
“We are working to reduce the treatment gap, which the World Health Organisation estimates to be over 75%. Despite the efforts invested by stakeholders in the fight, gaps remain that need to be filled,” Gwinji said.
“Epilepsy has no age, racial, geographic or socio-economic boundaries. The legacy of old myths about epilepsy lingers on, with the result that people with epilepsy experience prejudicial and discriminatory behaviour in many spheres of life and across many cultures,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Epilepsy Support Foundation representative Florence Sigudu-Matambo noted that this year’s celebrations were by marked milestone achievements in lives saved.
“Many people in this country are touched by epilepsy, whether of a family member, a co-worker, a friend or a neighbour. Despite celebrating 25 years, it is unfortunate that the public does not know how to react to a person having a seizure. There are so many misconceptions about how to help people living with epilepsy,” Sigudu-Matambo said.
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She added: “Over the years, the foundation has managed to secure a house which has been converted into a clinic to co-ordinate health care and advocacy activities. Support group branches have been established in Bulawayo, Rusape, Marondera, Gutu, Buhera, Makumbe and Gwanda.”
Epilepsy Support Foundation was established in 1990 to support and help people with epilepsy and capacitate them to overcome the challenges they encounter.
