Impa*sioned plea to improve the lives of p****e with epilepsy
The Ministry of Health and other policymakers have been asked to combat stigma and discriminatory legislation and practices against people with epilepsy.
They have also been urged to improve access to anti-seizure medicines and supply resources and training to the concerned health and social workforce.
A new technical brief released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that people with epilepsy should also enjoy respect and full social inclusion.
The brief titled Improving the Lives of People with Epilepsy observes that if taken the actions will boost the care and treatment of victims who currently suffer from discrimination and stigma.
In Kenya, an estimated 1.2 million people suffer from epilepsy, according to a study by the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC). The national population of Kenya is about 45 million.
Numerous challenges
NECC says epileptics in Kenya face numerous physical, social and economic challenges occasioned by their health condition.
Globally, epilepsy affects over 50 million people, ranking fifth among all neurological causes for disability-adjusted life.
An estimated 125,000 deaths each year are related to the disorder. WHO says roughly half of all people with epilepsy also have other physical or mental health conditions, which are associated with poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare needs.
Yet epilepsy is highly treatable — over 70 per cent of those who have the disorder could live seizure-free if they have access to appropriate anti-seizure treatment, which can cost as little as Sh600 a year, according to WHO.
Across the world, people with epilepsy continue to be the target of stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.
As a result, they frequently face barriers to education and employment and are effectively prevented from full participation in social and community life.
“Given that epilepsy has significant personal, health, economic and social inclusion consequences for people living with the disorder, and for their families and communities, the response should not be anything less than integrated, comprehensive and engaging all of society,” said Dévora Kestel (left), WHO is the director for mental health and substance use.
The global health body notes that many people with epilepsy do not receive the necessary treatment to control seizures.
The treatment gap exceeds 75 per cent in most low-income countries and 50 per cent in most middle-income countries.
Other challenges include an inadequate capacity of healthcare systems, inequitable distribution of resources and low priority accorded to epilepsy care.
Also, many affected people fail to seek diagnosis or treatment due to a lack of awareness and fear of stigmatisation.
