85,000 People with Epilepsy: Urgent Gov’t Action Needed, Says Association

At a press conference held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Hotel 5-10 in the eastern part of Freetown, Max Bangura, the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Association in Sierra Leone, revealed alarming statistics: an estimated eighty-five thousand individuals are currently living with epilepsy in the country.

The conference, held under the theme “Making epilepsy a health priority in Africa,” shed light on the pressing need for concerted efforts to address epilepsy and other neurological conditions in Sierra Leone. Bangura emphasized the importance of the government’s immediate action to domesticate the Inter-sectoral Global Action Plan 2022-2031 on epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

In his address, Director Bangura debunked common misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, highlighting that it is neither demonic nor contagious. He stressed that epilepsy can affect anyone at any time and lamented the discrimination and stigma faced by individuals with epilepsy, which often leads to psychological distress and exclusion from societal participation.

Bangura outlined the efforts of the Epilepsy Association in Sierra Leone, including the establishment of twenty-four treatment centres across the country and the training of thirty-five thousand health workers to provide care for individuals with epilepsy. He underscored the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment, citing the prevalence of absence epilepsy and generalized tonic-clonic seizures in Sierra Leone.

Regarding treatment, Bangura advocated for the use of phenobarbital, emphasizing its effectiveness in managing epilepsy. He also highlighted the strategic objectives of the Inter-sectoral Global Action Plan, which focus on policy and governance, effective diagnosis and treatment, promotion and prevention, research and innovation, and public health response to epilepsy.

In addition to medical interventions, Bangura stressed the importance of community awareness, dispelling myths, and reducing stigma associated with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. He called for advocacy for policies and funding prioritizing neurological health and encouraged the inclusion of individuals with epilepsy in education, employment, and social activities.

Bangura concluded by urging individuals to volunteer their time and skills, participate in awareness campaigns, and contribute financially to organizations working on epilepsy research and advocacy. He emphasized the collective responsibility to support those affected by epilepsy and other neurological conditions and called for sustained efforts to address the challenges they face in Sierra Leone.