19 Mar 2018

People living with epilepsy often face social stigma and discrimination hence the need to sensitize the public about the condition so that those affected can get help when need arises. Speaking during a press conference, the co-founder of Young Epilepsy Botswana, Ms Naledi Khan, said the hardships that her daughter faced because of the condition together with the negligence and discrimination forced them to come up with an association that raises awareness about epilepsy.

She noted that despite the condition being a health concern, the public is often unable to recognize common seizure types or how to respond with appropriate first aid. Ms Khan highlighted that the main objective of the association was to raise awareness and provide support to those living with and affected by the condition.

For her part, Ms Bame Motsomatshukudu who is the public relations officer at the association said epilepsy is a condition that could affect anybody at any time. She explained that as a way of sensitizing people about the condition, they have organized a sponsored walk on March 24 that will help raise awareness while flyers will be distributed.

For his part, Ambrose Trust patron, Mr Tumediso Loeto popularly known as Shanti-Lo said autism was one of the conditions associated with epilepsy.

He also noted the different kinds of conditions such as down ‘syndrome, meningitis that could hinder the development of the child.

Mr Loeto noted that psycho-therapywas offered at the trust to parents who have children with autism as most of them were living with epilepsy.He urged parents to bring their children forward so that they could get assistance.“The more we encourage them, is the more we help them deal with stigma associated with this condition,” he added. ENDS