24 Mar 2025

Batswana have been called to increase awareness and inclusivity for people living with epilepsy to foster a more inclusive society.

Speaking  during  commemoration of the International Epilepsy Day in Gaborone on Saturday, the Executive Head of Corporate Affairs for Debswana Diamond Company, Ms Rachel Mothibatsela said it was important for Batswana to have a collective responsibility to better understand and support those affected by the condition.

“It is a foregone conclusion that with awareness creation, we can achieve better understanding and inclusivity for our communities in accessing services, and formulation of better healthcare policies,” she said, emphasising the role of education and awareness in driving societal change.

The commemoration themed: Walking for a Purpose, Stand Up for Epilepsy, was organised by Young Epilepsy Botswana (YEP). 

The theme challenged and encourage individuals to reflect on how they engaged with and supported people with epilepsy.

She therefore, noted that the theme urged all stakeholders to take a proactive stance in understanding epilepsy and helping to improve the lives of those affected.

Highlighting global statistics, Ms Mothibatsela shared that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, with nearly 80 per cent of them residing in low and middle-income countries.

She pointed out that many of those affected by epilepsy were workers, students, and members of the wider community, and the stigma surrounding the condition often impacted their self-esteem, making it more difficult for them to succeed in their careers or education.

“The lack of societal acceptance can deeply affect individuals’ self-worth and hinder their ability to participate fully in life,” she explained.

Ms Mothibatsela said that stigma not only affected personal confidence but also has a far-reaching impact on their ability to lead fulfilling lives.

Despite those challenges, Ms Mothibatsela referenced the WHO’s assertion that people with epilepsy could live seizure-free with proper diagnosis and care.

However, she noted that Botswana still faced significant challenges in terms of accurate data collection, saying many individuals with epilepsy were still reluctant to disclose their condition due to fear of discrimination, which results in inadequate support in workplaces and schools.

Further addressing the issue, Ms Mothibatsela explained that research had shown that men, in particular, were often hesitant to open up about medical conditions, including epilepsy.

“Due to various reasons, including stigma, men are still not forthcoming about their conditions, yet they are affected by this condition,” she said, urging men and women alike to seek help and discuss their conditions openly.

Ms Mothibatsela called on individuals diagnosed with epilepsy to honour doctor’s appointments and adhere to their prescribed medications.

“While there is still no cure for epilepsy, approximately 90 per cent of epilepsy cases can be controlled through medication with close adherence and monitoring by healthcare professionals,” she added, stressing the importance of proper medical management.

In a show of corporate commitment to raising awareness, Debswana Diamond Company pledged P30 000 towards Young Epilepsy Botswana’s awareness programmes.

Ms Mothibatsela said the donation reflected Debswana ongoing support for initiatives aimed at educating the public about epilepsy and providing necessary resources to those living with the condition. ENDS