Medics Call for Awareness on Epilepsy in South Sudan
By Denilson Denike
Juba – The Chief Executive Officer of The Initiative for Epilepsy Awareness South Sudan (IFEASS) drew attention to the lack of awareness about the rights of people living with epilepsy in South Sudan during the commemoration of International Epilepsy Day at Juba Teaching Hospital on Monday.
Mr. Kur Ezekiel, CEO of IFEASS, expressed concern about the widespread lack of awareness regarding available epilepsy health services at the main referral health facility, Juba Teaching Hospital. He urged the South Sudanese population to seek regular check-ups at the hospital, emphasizing that epilepsy can be managed and treated effectively.
Catherine Vinsentio, representing OVCI, highlighted the importance of ensuring that people living with disabilities, including epilepsy, have access to communication, health services, livelihoods, and empowerment. She emphasized the need to combat discrimination and stigma faced by individuals living with epilepsy, emphasizing that epilepsy is a condition and not a disease.
Suzan Tandeko, Communication and Corporate representative at Trinity Energy Ltd, stressed the collective responsibility of society to support and empower individuals living with epilepsy. She encouraged a message of solidarity and reassurance for those living with epilepsy, affirming that they are not alone and should be met with understanding and support.
Furthermore, Jacopo M. Rovarini, a public health specialist at AMREF Health Africa South Sudan, underscored the shared responsibility of communities and health workers in raising awareness about epilepsy. He emphasized that epilepsy is a common condition characterized by frequent seizures, which are caused by bursts of electrical activity in the brain, temporarily affecting its function and manifesting a range of symptoms.
Rovarini further noted that while epilepsy can develop at any age, it often begins in childhood or in individuals over 60. The call for increased awareness and support for those living with epilepsy in South Sudan comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure access to essential healthcare and combat discrimination against people with neurological conditions.
The joint efforts of organizations and stakeholders underscore the importance of promoting understanding and acceptance of epilepsy within South Sudanese society, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and support for those living with epilepsy in the country.
