The National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) wants epilepsy to be prioritised like other non-communicable diseases and its medication made affordable.
Speaking during the flagging off of an epilepsy sensitization campaign dubbed Angaza Kifafa at Murang’a Level 5 hospital, the Committee Secretary, Mr. Fredrick Beuchi, noted that the focus on epilepsy is low compared to other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and its medication is unaffordable for many patients.
He noted that NECC is now focused on public education and sensitization in a bid to reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy; however, the campaign also intends to promote treatment, noting that there is a need to train more medics who specialise in the treatment of epilepsy.
‘We need to equip healthcare providers with the latest care practices and knowledge in epilepsy care,’ he said.
‘The statistics we are working with put the number of Kenyans living with epilepsy at 1.5 million, or two in every 100 people having epilepsy,’ he added.
NE
CC has been conducting training exercises targeting primary healthcare providers, starting with community health promoters (CHPs).
He called upon the government to make sure that epilepsy medication is available at all primary healthcare facilities and that it is affordable.
The chairperson of the health committee at Murang’a County Assembly, Dr. Mwangi Kamau, called upon patients and caregivers of patients living with epilepsy to come forward and seek treatment so that they could end the stigma associated with the disease and improve their quality of life.
The public sensitization campaign caravan was flagged off by Murang’a County Deputy Governor, Mr. Stephen Munania, who applauded the NECC, Bank of Africa, and other stakeholders for their concerted efforts in supporting the epilepsy awareness campaign.
‘Through this initiative, we have trained CHPs to ensure the public understands the issue of epilepsy and end the stigma against people living with epilepsy,’ Munania said.
He said that the county gover
nment has prioritised access to affordable and quality healthcare for all to support the treatment of epilepsy and all other illnesses.
NECC will be taking the campaign to all 47 counties in a bid to shed light on epilepsy, reduce the treatment gap, and fight stigma.
Source: Kenya News Agency