16 Apr 2026

Africa is grappling with a disproportionately high burden of Epilepsy, with experts warning that the condition is nearly twice as prevalent on the continent compared to other regions of the world.

Speaking during the Pan-African Congress on Autism held in Gaborone on Wednesday, The Foundation for People with Epilepsy in Kenya director, Dr Eddie Chengo attributed that to a combination of preventable causes, limited healthcare access and widespread misconceptions about the disorder.

Dr Chengo said according to multiple studies, low and middle-income countries, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa, carried the heaviest share of epilepsy cases.

He said factors such as infectious diseases, inadequate maternal and child healthcare and gaps in prevention systems contributed significantly to the problem.

He further pointed out that diseases like malaria and other parasitic infections were major contributors, adding that poor infection control, complications during childbirth and limited access to early treatment often lead to neurological damage that can trigger epilepsy.

Dr Chengo stressed that many of those causes were preventable through simple public health measures.

“Ensuring children sleep under mosquito nets, seeking early treatment for fever and adhering to immunisation schedules can drastically reduce the risk,” he explained, also adding that vaccinations in particular, played a critical role in preventing infections that may later result in lifelong neurological conditions.

Dr Chengo said despite the preventable nature of many cases, Africa faced a staggering epilepsy treatment gap.

He said an estimated 70 per cent of people living with epilepsy on the continent do not receive appropriate care, adding only about three in 10 patients have access to the medication and support they need.

He said limited availability of anti-seizure medication, under-resourced health systems and a lack of trained specialists all played a role.

Furthermore he said social stigma and misinformation further compound the issue, with many communities still viewing epilepsy through a cultural or spiritual lens rather than as a medical condition.

“There are still cases where patients are told to seek help outside the medical system, this delays treatment and increases the risk of complications, including prolonged seizures and cognitive impairment,” he said.

Dr Chengo stated that accurate diagnosis also remained a significant challenge, stating that Epilepsy was primarily a clinical diagnosis, requiring careful observation and detailed patient history.

He stressed that clinicians must assess what happens before, during and after a seizure “information that is often incomplete or misunderstood.”

He highlighted that misdiagnosis could have serious consequences, saying in some cases, patients were given medications that worsen their condition due to an incorrect classification of seizure type.

“For example, certain drugs used for focal seizures may aggravate generalised epilepsy syndromes, leading to increased seizure frequency,” he said.

Dr Chengo highlighted the importance of identifying specific epilepsy syndromes, such as Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, which typically begins in adolescence and responds well to the correct treatment, adding that without proper diagnosis, patients may endure unnecessary complications despite the availability of effective therapies.

Encouragingly, he said some forms of epilepsy were self-limiting and may resolve with age, however saying others required lifelong management, making early and accurate diagnosis essential for improving long-term outcomes.

He said treatment decisions must also be tailored to individual patients, taking into account factors such as age, gender and potential side effects, adding that, some medications may not be suitable for women of childbearing age due to risks during pregnancy, while others may affect a child’s cognitive development.

Dr Chengo said addressing Africa’s epilepsy crisis would require a multifaceted approach, of strengthening health systems, improving access to medication, increasing public awareness and reducing stigma.

“Epilepsy is treatable, with the right diagnosis, the right medication and the right support, many people can live full and healthy lives. The challenge is ensuring that care reaches everyone who needs it,” he said.

The Autism Botswana project coordinator, Ms Evelyn Kwapa, said the Pan-African Congress on Autism was an annual conference that gathered African experts on Autism with the aims to improve the lives of individuals with autism in Africa by combating stigma, enhancing access to care and therapy and advancing inclusive education.

Ms Kwape said the four days conference brought together policymakers, caregivers and experts to build partnerships and implement culturally relevant, evidence-based solutions across the continent.

She said the conference held under the theme: rooted in culture, driven by science: Advancing autism Services in Africa sparked a critical dialogue, strengthened partnership and inspired bold action towards a future where autistic individuals were understood, supported and empowered to thrive.

Among the attendees were experts from USA. UK, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya Egypt, Uganda, DRC and Botswana. ENDS